Fatigue Characterization of Polypropylene Matrix Gmt Composites 91A129

Among composite materials of potential interest for applications in the automotive field are glass mat reinforce thermoplastics (GMT). Although they are not currently used in strictly structure parts of the vehicle, their proper use involves problems of structural strength, both static and fatigue strength. The present report describes the tests and analyses performed for the mechanical characterization of a particular composite material of this type, as well as the problems which must be solved and the simplified assumptions which are necessary to arrive at a definition of data for planning purposes, which combine the simplicity and practicality of use with the essential guarantees of structural reliability afforded by the finished product.