Off highway

Operation in rugged environments can create challenging material requirements for the components used on off highway vehicles. Performance & reliability in high load conditions demand that product designs are robust & enduring. Smithers Rapra can help ensure that the correct material selection, product design & optimised processing conditions enable these components to fit the bill.

End of Life

Engine gasket material confirmation & gasket design appraisal

Aim: To investigate the application & establish the root cause of the failure.

Examination

Examine the fracture surfaces & internal structure of the products using optical microscopy (before & after sectioning). Create a photographic record of any relevant features, such as pores/ air traps in the mounting compound.

Physical Testing

Determine the level of hard & soft segments in the compound using differential scanning calorimetry & thereby provide an understanding of the material consistency.

Chemical Analysis

Determine the cross-link density index of areas of selected mounts to establish whether there is evidence of inconsistent or an uneven state of cure both within the mounts & between mounts. Conduct a benchmarking exercise based on the mount exhibiting the highest fatigue cycle data.