Elastomeric seals are used between mating parts to prevent the intrusion of exhaust fumes, water, or dust into automobile passenger and luggage compartments. They also reduce wind noise and squeaks and rattles between the mating parts. These seals are subjected to many operational cycles, during which significant strains are experienced.
Seals come into contact with the mating parts, and some seals are designed to fold onto themselves.
These possibilities must be considered in the analysis of elastomeric seals. In this example a rubber seal for a convertible roof top is analyzed. The seal model uses 474 quadrilateral plane strain elements. Contact is specified between the seal and a rigid surface representing the windshield frame and between the seal and a second rigid surface representing the convertible roof top. Friction between the seal and the mating parts is included in the simulation.