Failure Characterization and Analysis of a Sport Utility Vehicles SUV Rear Door Damper Made by Nylon as Structural Element

Abstract

In this investigation, an automotive component made of nylon as a structural element was studied by several characterization techniques to identify material properties. Firstly, a Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was carried out to obtain information about composition, then, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used to extract useful information on sample thermal behavior. The humidity and volatile materials percentage could be assessed by thermogravimetry analysis (TGA). Morphology and topography were carried out by optical microscopy, moreover, X-ray Tomography allows it to display the sample’s inner part. Characterization shows that the component could have been contaminated or exposed to conditions that promote degradation after the manufacturing process. Finally, computerized X-ray tomography displayed that both samples showed a difference in porosity in a fractured sample and a healthy sample. All the above implies a change in the mechanical integrity of the fractured material but might not omit the fact that it could have been subjected to any type of impact or mechanical effort.