Mark Nichols

Abstract

The damage induced in automotive paint systems due to the high-speed impact of a well-defined projectile was investigated both experimentally and via finite element analysis. Impact variables studied included: projectile velocity, impact angle, and projectile shape, while paint system variables included intercoat adhesion levels, bake conditions, basecoat color, and layer thickness. Coating constitutive properties were assessed via a combination of quasi-static and high strain rate measurements. Chip performance was quantified via volume loss measurements with a non-contacting profilometer. Finite element simulations on a subset of the experimental impact conditions were conducted to assess the ability of the simulations to quantitatively predict the effect of constitutive property changes (adhesive and cohesive strength and toughness) and impact conditions on the chipping behavior. The simulations were shown to correctly reproduce the chip shape and size under a number of chipping conditions, and provided insight into formulation pathways to potentially improve stone chip resistance.

Biography

Dr. Nichols received his B.S. from the University of Michigan in 1987, his M.S. from the University of Illinois in 1989, and his Ph.D. from the University of Michigan in 1992, after which he joined the Ford Research Laboratory. His current research is focused on automotive coatings including: coating weatherability, corrosion, the fracture behavior of coatings and films, color science, and functional surfaces. He is currently the Manager of the Coatings, Surface Engineering and Process Modeling Research group in Ford’s Manufacturing Research Department.