Simple Connector Lab - Shear Failure Test

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Simple Connector Lab This simple connector was designed by students at SDSU for an experiment. The connector is designed to break at a specific shear force to obtain the ultimate shear strength of the 3D printed material. From our testing we found the average ultimate shear strength of 3D printed PLA to be 7.1 MPa (1000 psi). To calculate the ultimate shear strength of the material the follow equation can be used: S = P / A Where: P = the load at which the specimen broke -The connector is designed to break between 1.3 kgs to 1.5 kgs or 3.0 to 3.3 lbs A = area of the failure surface = (Thickness of layer below the block)*(perimeter of the block) -The failure surface for the shear connector is the surface area around the perimeter of the diagonal block – The dimensions are designed to be 6 mm x 3 mm for the block and the thin layer below the block is 0.1 mm; however, you should measure the dimensions with a caliper to check these values. This lab is designed to give students experience with basic engineering design and provide students with the mechanical properties of 3D printed material, which can be used in design for later labs. More information on this lab and other labs will be available soon in the form of a lab manual from South Dakota State University.