Inventors:
Richard J. Corr - Quechee VT
Ann D. Corr - Quechee VT
International Classification:
G01N 300
Abstract:
This invention relates to a test specimen for generating data to provide a preliminary qualification of plastic materials for fabricated parts without requiring prototype development. The test specimen disclosed has two plates which are designed to be joined in various ways and the resulting joints evaluated. The plates are provided with latches and tabs to test mechanical locking. The test specimens are also provided with a series of grooves, a raised section, posts, holes and self-tapping lugs to allow the samples to be tested for the effectiveness of press fit, heat staking, ultra-sonic welding, adhesive bonding and the effectiveness of self tapping screws. The test specimen can be thermally cycled, held at elevated temperatures and exposed to other environmental conditions to determine the effect of these variables on the performance of the plastic. The effect of various testing conditions on the test specimen can then be assessed with respect to the performance of the bonding and joining techniques used for the test samples. The test specimen can be produced by injection molding in which case gating configuration can be varied to study the effective gating configuration on the properties of the test specimen.
