Numerical simulation and flat tensile strength optimization of metal zipper

Metal zippers are widely used in various engineering fields because of their compact structure, simple principle, and convenience. The flat pull strength is one of the most important indexes to judge the performance of a zipper. The methods used to optimize and improve the flat pull strength of a zipper are important for obtaining higher reliability. In this paper, the method of finite element analysis is used to establish the numerical model of the flat tensile strength for a 5# metal zipper. Relevant numerical results were comparatively discussed with experimental results. Based on the constructed finite element model, the design of the zipper pull strength was optimized. The influences of the chain tooth characteristic parameters such as the thickness of the chain tooth, the height of the chain tooth, the width of the chain tooth, and the spacing between the chain teeth on the pull strength were analyzed. The results show a good agreement between numerical simulation results and testing results. The optimization of characteristic parameters for the 5# metal zipper teeth was subsequently performed. The optimized structure indeed increases the frictional contact force between the teeth and enables the meshing between the teeth more consistent which eventually improves the flat pull strength.