The current ASME code considers the effective gasket width to be constant for particular gasket geometry. This study has clearly demonstrated that this is not true for sheet gasket material. It was found that the effective width depends on the applied load, the rotational flexibility of the flange and the type of gasket. For sheet gaskets, the maximum gasket stress located at the gasket outer periphery and hence the thickness of the gasket at this location is found to be one of the key parameter that controls leakage. Flange rotation is found to be beneficial for CF and FG sheet gaskets but not for double jacketed metal gaskets.
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