Date of Award

Fall 1987

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering

Program/Concentration

Engineering Mechanics

Committee Director

Earl A. Thornton

Committee Member

Ronald Moyer

Committee Member

Jerrid Industries

Call Number for Print

Special Collections; LD4331.E57S54

Abstract

This thesis describes a classical approach to plastic parts' design leading to the development of load carrying fiber reinforced thermoplastic components for use in an automotive emergency braking system. The control arms that are the focus of this study are designed to withstand the static loads characteristic of the loads experienced by an automotive emergency braking system. The present study is particularly significant as a case study because the design involves development of load carrying components for use in the harsh automotive environment.

Beginning with a fundamental concept for the control arms, basic design criteria, and a limited insight into the behavior of fiber reinforced thermoplastic parts under load as provided by a classical strength of materials analysis, first generation parts are designed. By alternate testing and redesign, components capable of withstanding design loads under simulated in-service conditions are developed.

The final parts exceed the original design requirements indicating a need for re-evaluation of the design for cost optimization prior to the final commercial application. A time/temperature effect noted during simulated in-service environmental testing (Phase III) indicates the need to investigate dynamic effects during operational testing in an actual automotive installation. Several additional improvements to the control arm design are also suggested.

The need for an improved methodology for design with fiber reinforced thermoplastics for load carrying applications and the salient aspects of an appropriate computer simulation scheme are discussed.

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DOI

10.25777/hwy9-j070

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