Design and validation of a novel testing method for computer tomographic analysis of upholstery materials under deformation

Abstract

The aim of this article is to present a new type of testing device used for computer tomographic analysis of the structure of a microfiber fabric and a porous artificial leather under deformation. The load exerted by an occupant sitting motionless on a vehicle seat is to be analyzed. The load is determined on complete seats with test persons (no dummies) carrying out the tests. The result is the specification of a pressure range over the test group of people that is valid for both materials. In the next step, the load condition is adapted to a 1:1 substitute test model and finally to a test device for computer tomography. The description and validation of the load conditions are carried out by finite element simulation, and a comparison with the measurement series is carried out. In summary, it can be stated that the developed loading device represents a good representation of reality. This includes the boundary conditions assumed for the design, the inaccuracies of the finite element simulation, and the measurement systems. The analysis of the structural properties of a reference surface is possible with a resolution of 5 µm.