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Before manufacturing the rims, the manufacturing process used needs to be validated through various tests of the composite materials used. There are multiple tests that are standard for any composite materials, and will be taken from general composites testing data used for other parts of the car: (1) tensile testing, (2) compression testing, (3) flexural strength testing, and (4) delamination tests. There are more specific tests to be done to test for the specific function and geometry of the rims. For now, this list includes: (51) pressure testing (80-120 psi), (62) buckling testing, and (73) environmental testing. The data can be used to validate the simulations done in ANSYS. More detail on each test and associated information:
- Tensile test
- Compression test
- Flexural ststrength testing
- Delamination testing
Rim Specific tests
- Pressure testing
- Buckling testing
- Environmental testing
Sources:
The Winning Solar Car.pdf
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