ASTM group seeking aid in setting standards for gaskets

WEST CONSHOCKEN, Pa. (Jan. 30)—ASTM International is seeking stakeholders in the transportation gasket industry to help one of its task groups develop property standards regarding gasket materials and analysis. ASTM Task Group F03.95.03 on Gasket Material Characterization for Finite Element Analysis is working to establish property standards enabling users of finite element analysis to insert required gasket properties in their equations and conduct credible analysis. The initial effort of the task group is to put together a matrix of information—including needed properties, materials used and software employed—so it can understand what needs must be addressed in forming the property standards. The group is not focusing on particular types of gaskets or materials, but will better specify the standards for one group of materials if necessary as the process goes along. Finite analysis issues for soft gasket material, molded rubber, elastomers and other materials will be examined.