Investigating a Failed Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) Composite Caster Wheel Fork

Wednesday, September 30, 2026: 8:40 AM
306B (Québec City Convention Centre)
Dr. Graham Parkinson, PhD PE , ESi, Centennial, CO
Dr. Pierce Umberger, Ph.D., P.E. , Engineering Systems Inc., Peachtree Corners, GA
Mr. James P. Sommer , Engineering Systems Inc. (ESi), Aurora, IL
Glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) composite parts are used for their great strength-to-weight ratio as well as their versatility across environmental conditions. In this talk a failure analysis investigation of a GFRP caster wheel fork on a personal mobility rollator will be summarized. Materials characterization of caster wheel forks and customized testing of exemplar forks with the aim of replicating the failure will be discussed.
See more of: Nonmetallic & Ceramic
See more of: Failure Analysis Society (FAS) at IMAT