Keywords

Aramid fiber gaskets; Sealability; Viscoelastic deformation; Compression creep; High-voltage energy systems; Material testing

Abstract

The reliability of sealed, oil-filled containers is critical for maintaining the operation of high-voltage energy systems, in which the sensitive electronics need to be isolated from the cyclic conditions associated with outdoor environments. New materials bring the possibility of extending service lifetimes and maintenance intervals. Aramid fiber nitrile-based gaskets are an attractive alternative to conventional gasket choices due to their long-term stability in various environments and compatibility with porcelain, metals, and plastics. For newly designed porcelain-to-metal fittings, understanding the behavior of the candidate gasket material under realistic loading conditions is essential to ensure long-term seal integrity and equipment safety. Traditional test methods often fail to simulate the dynamic conditions these gaskets experience in service, such as sustained temperature and compression, and pressure fluctuations that lead to performance degradation over time. To address this, a sensor-integrated, Arduino-controlled system was developed to replicate real operational stresses and gather real-time data on pressure, temperature, and deformation. By conducting controlled experiments and tracking the time-dependent evolution of these variables, this study establishes a reliable framework for evaluating the sealability and degradation behavior of gasketed joints. The developed platform enables consistent, repeatable testing and provides more accurate insights into performance under combined thermo-mechanical loading, supporting design validation, material optimization, and improved predictions of long-term reliability in high-pressure systems.

Thesis Completion Year

2026

Thesis Completion Semester

Spring

Thesis Chair

Gordon, Ali

College

College of Engineering and Computer Science

Department

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Thesis Discipline

Mechanical Engineering

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Length of Campus Access

None

Campus Location

Orlando (Main) Campus

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