Abstract
Recent developments in the substitution of plastics for metal components have led to a requirement for further information on the applicability of existing mechanical fastenings to these newer materials. The generic group of glass reinforced thermoset plastics known as ‘polyester moulding compounds’ has been found to be suitable for many replacement components, particularly in the automotive industry, but these materials are subject to cracking under certain loading conditions. The present work uses a simulated bolt loading technique to relate material thickness, bolt diameter, and support configuration to a limiting sustainable load. Acoustic emission methods are also used to relate the onset of cracking to the support conditions and the ultimate load. The conclusions suggest that, for the material studied, positioning of the fixing hole at least two hole diameters from the material edge and use of a material thickness/bolt diameter ratio ≥3, should result in the equivalent mild steel bolt failing before cracking is initiated or ultimate composite failure occurs.
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