Development of novel polyurethane materials for tactile controls in the automotive cockpit of the future
In this project, functional control elements are being developed for the automotive cockpit of the future. These functional controls are to consist of a polyurethane (PUR) surface layer with associated electronics. The tactility of the mechanical controls will be reproduced solely by the PUR surface of the functional controls. For this purpose, a PUR system is developed according to the requirements of a functional surface. To design the mechanical and tactile properties of the PUR surface, the material behavior of various PUR materials must first be characterized and modeled. A new testing methodology is being developed to determine the tactility and dynamic-mechanical transfer behavior of the PUR. In addition, the influence of the surface structure on tactile sensation will be determined by simulation. In addition, a tool is being designed that makes it possible to produce microstructured PUR surfaces. These allow detection of the control element located under the PUR surface. Finally, the findings will be applied to design a demonstrator component for functional control elements.
Duration: 2019 - 2022
Funding code: ZF4101115BL8
Related publications:
- P. Lehmenkühler, M. Stommel
Influence of the Reaction Injection Molding Process on the Thermomechanical Behavior of Fast Curing Polyurethanes
Journal of Manufacturing and Materials Processing 2022, 6(3), 53. DOI: 10.3390/jmmp6030053
- M. Stanko, P. Lehmenkühler, M. Stommel
Determination of Strain Limits for Dimensioning Polyurethane Components.
Polymers 2021, 13(18), 3198. DOI: 10.3390/polym13183198