Numerical Analysis of Variable Cross Section Weather-Strip Contact Sealing Performance & Stick Slip Behavioral Study

<div class="section abstract"><div class="htmlview paragraph">This study focuses on the numerical analysis of weather-strip contact sealing performance with a variable cross-sectional design, addressing both static and dynamic behaviors, including the critical issue of stick-slip phenomena. By employing finite element modeling (FEM), the research simulates contact pressures and deformations under varying compression loads, DCE (Door Closing Efforts) requirements, typical in automotive applications. The analysis evaluates how changes in the cross-sectional shape of the weather-strip affect its ability to maintain a consistent sealing performance, especially under dynamic vehicle operations.</div><div class="htmlview paragraph">The study also delves into stick-slip behavior, a known cause of noise and vibration issues, particularly improper/ loosened door-seal contact during dynamic driving condition. This study identifies key parameters influencing stick-slip events, such as friction coefficients, material stiffness, surface interactions, sliding velocity, wet/dry condition. Numerical simulations are used to predict stick-slip tendencies, and potential improvements, such as optimizing material properties or altering geometric profiles, are proposed.</div><div class="htmlview paragraph">The results demonstrate that optimizing the variable cross-section can significantly enhance sealing performance, leading to better noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) characteristics. Additionally, adjustments to material properties and geometric profiles are shown to reduce stick-slip effects, contributing to quieter and more reliable weather-strip systems in automotive applications. The findings of this study offer valuable insights for the design of more effective weather-strip systems in modern vehicles</div></div>