Introduction

The B-bulkhead (circled in red below) is one of two bulkheads present within the car. It provides structural integrity to the whole assembly and thus, must be tested to make sure that it reaches the standards we set for it to achieve.

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Tests to be used

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When deciding which test to use, we'll try to use the diagram above as a guide. This was taken from the ASC regulations, and it shows where the car must withstand an impact. As you can see, in terms of the B-bulkhead it experiences “collisions” from behind like a three-point bend test, from the top, and from the side. This simulates the same conditions as the front and back bulkhead, but with a few minor differences. We will use the same testing standards as the front and back bulkhead tests.

The testing standards to be used are listed below:

ASTM C393_Standard Test Method for Shear Strength

ASTM D3039_Standard Test Methods for Tensile Properties

ASTM D3410_Standard Test Method for Compressive Properties of Polymer Matric Composite Materials