Effect of surface coatings on compression load deflection behavior of vehicle door seal

 
The compression load deflection (CLD) curve expressed as flexibility has a significant effect on door closing effort and it is calculated in relation to the material properties and cross section. Accuracy of this approach could be increased by considering the surface properties of the material. As a surface feature, coefficient of friction (CoF) value is experienced to have an influence on CLD. In this study, a method is followed to assess how friction coefficient value changes the CLD value of door profile. Accordingly, a relationship between CoF and CLD was investigated by testing many types of commercial coatings with different friction properties. Selected coatings were applied on reference EPDM door profile, CoF and CLD measurements were performed with Zwick Testing Machine. Consequently, experimental results are obtained and coatings with various friction properties on CLD behavior of door seal was demonstrated.