Contact resistance of EMI gaskets under cyclic loading conditions

In order to evaluate the relative performance of various gasketed joints in an accelerated wear and corrosion environment, a gasket cycler test system was built which simulates the closure forces and mating action encountered by EMI (electromagnetic interference) gaskets in shielded facility access doors, hatchways, and cover panels. The system monitors the contact resistance between gasketed contacts as they are put through repetitive make-and-break cycles. The authors summarize key features of the gasket cycler test device and present results of resistance data taken from an EMI gasket design of current interest