A Vehicle-Integrated Validation Method for Weather-Strip Sealing Performance in Automotive Closure Systems SECO AIA

Format:

Book

Conference/Event

Author/Creator:

Ganesan, Karthikeyan, author.

Seok, Sang Ho, author.

Conference Name:

WCX SAE World Congress Experience (2026-04-14 : Detroit, Michigan, United States)

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Finite element analysis.

Seals and gaskets.

Local Subjects:

Finite element analysis.

Seals and gaskets.

Physical Description:

1 online resource

Place of Publication:

Warrendale, PA SAE International 2026

Summary:

Weather-strip sealing systems are critical to automotive closure performance, influencing water- and dust-tightness, aerodynamic noise control, and overall NVH quality. Conventional validation often relies on flat or straight JIG-based tests that inadequately represent the curved, angled, and non-uniform geometries of real closures such as doors, tailgates, hoods, roofs, and fixed or movable glass. This disparity limits the predictive accuracy of sealing performance in actual vehicles.This study proposes a vehicle-integrated validation framework that mirrors true geometric and contact conditions. The methodology combines finite element analysis (FEA) of both flat JIG and full-vehicle CAD geometries with experimental JIG tests, establishing a baseline for pressure distribution, compression load, and sealing contact behavior. A comparative analysis highlights significant deviations between flat-section predictions and vehicle-specific closure profiles. Results demonstrate that the integrated method more accurately reflects sealing efficiency, sound transmission loss, and long-term deformation, offering improved reliability for early-stage NVH optimization and product qualification. The findings recommend incorporating vehicle-profile-based validation into standard development practice for automotive weather-strips

Notes:

Vendor supplied data

Access Restriction:

Restricted for use by site license