Comparison of Different Contact Force and Friction Combined Models in Dynamic Analysis of Roller Guide Joint With Clearance for a Vehicle Sliding Door Mechanism

Abstract This study presents a comprehensive analysis of various contact force and friction models in the dynamic simulation of roller guide joints with clearance, using a vehicle sliding door mechanism as a case study. Roller guide joints, unlike traditional prismatic or revolute joints, offer enhanced movement precision along a defined trajectory, making them suitable for applications that require controlled motion. Clearances in these joints introduce complex, nonlinear dynamics that impact system performance. This work develops a detailed 3D multibody model of the sliding door mechanism with roller guide joints with clearances, simulating the normal and frictional contact forces between the rollers and guide rails. An experimental setup with strain gauges, accelerometers, and force sensors is employed to validate the accuracy of the simulation model. The study examines various combinations of the continuous contact force and friction models and results are shown that the modified Coulomb model paired with the Flores or Gonthier contact models is an optimal choice for simulating roller guide joints with clearance. Additionally, the performance of common numerical integration methods is benchmarked to address computational efficiency at different tolerance levels. Results demonstrate that the choice of contact model, friction model, and numerical integration method significantly affects both accuracy and computational performance. This research provides valuable insights for enhancing simulation reliability in multibody systems with clearance joints, applicable to automotive mechanisms and other mechanical systems.