Mechanical Engineering
Graduate Seminar
NOTICE OF SEMINAR PRESENTATION
CANDIDATE: Saurabh Bhalerao
DEGREE SOUGHT: MASc
DATE: 5/29/2026
TIME: 11:30am
PLACE: Room 1101 CEI
TITLE: DEVELOPMENT OF AN ADVANCED TENSILE TESTING FOR AUTOMOTIVE HDPE COMPOSITE FUEL TANKS IN HIGH DRAW MOLDED HOLLOW CIRCULAR REGIONS.
Abstract
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) and Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol (EVOH) composite, particularly in high draw molded hollow circular configuration, present unique challenges in evaluating mechanical performance under tensile stress due to anisotropic deformation, geometric asymmetry, and localize thermal gradient. This study introduces an advanced tensile testing methodology designed specifically to assess such regions with greater precision and repro disability. The method incorporates refines sample preparation protocols, tailored fixture geometry, and adjustable pull speed to accommodate varying thermal histories and draw ratios inherent to molded sections. Systematic variation of asymmetrical, temperature conditions, and clamping techniques revealed significant impact on tensile strength, elongation at break, and strain distribution. Findings emphasize the necessity of customized testing frameworks for molded composites geometries and demonstrate that fixture alignment and thermal conditioning are critical to mitigating error and enhancing material characterization. This approach offers a robust path forward for industrial applications requiring reliable evaluation in complex HDPE, LDPE, and EVOH composite structure