(2015004) ALL ABOUT THE END FITTING: ADVANCED TESTING AND DESIGN IMPROVES FIBERGLASS SUCKER ROD
The full potential and benefits of the fiberglass sucker rod (FSR) are not being realized. FSR manufacturers are toned to meet the requirements for increased operating ranges and one-time pull loads of FSR. Increasing the operating load requires the redesign of the end fitting to ensure reliability. This paper outlines the standard design of an end fitting and how it interfaces with the pulltruded fiberglass rod. The test data used to validate the design is also included. The overall wedge design is explained in detail, demonstrating the interaction of forces acting on the rod/end fitting interface. The stress range diagram will be presented with emphasis on the critical areas of the end fitting design. The overall goal is to show how fiberglass is stronger than steel.