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Thermal Cycling Effects on Threaded Fasteners and Mechanical Performance

Company: PennEngineering

Major(s):
Primary: ME
Secondary: MATSE
Optional: ESC

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: NO

Background: Founded in 1942, PennEngineering is the industry leader of fastening, installation, and engineered component technologies worldwide. With over 4,000 employees across 18 countries, PennEngineering manufactures self-clinching threaded fasteners for a wide variety of industries including automotive, consumer electronics, and aerospace. These fasteners must withstand harsh environments and maintain high performance. The ability of high-performing fasteners to withstand large temperature changes while in use has become an increasingly common request. This project will help determine the effects of temperature fluctuations on PennEngineering’s fasteners and determine whether mechanical or electrical performance is impacted. Project: The team will thermally cycle threaded fasteners and measure the change in mechanical performance and electrical resistance. The team will start by creating a plan to thermally cycle the fasteners and vary parameters such as time and temperature. They will also create a plan to test mechanical and electrical performance of the fasteners before and after the thermal cycle. Mechanical performance testing includes tension, torque, and clamp load. Electrical performance includes conductivity or resistance measurements. The team will then carry out their plan to test the performance of the fasteners and determine the effects of the temperature changes. Goals: Create a test plan to thermally cycle mechanically attached fasteners Plan for mechanical and electrical testing – torque, tension, clamp load, conductivity Test fasteners before and after thermal cycling according to the test plans