What troubleshooting method is most appropriate for determining the thermal failure point of a plastic self-locking bolt?

Conducting experimental testing is particularly effective for determining the thermal failure point of a plastic self-locking bolt because it allows for direct observation of how the material behaves under varying temperature conditions. This method involves subjecting the bolt to a controlled environment where temperatures can be systematically elevated until failure occurs. The results can provide precise data on thermal limits and can help identify not only the failure point but also the conditions under which the material loses its locking capability or otherwise degrades.

Experimental testing enables the collection of quantitative data, which can inform future applications and help in improving material formulations or design choices. The other methods, while valuable in different contexts, do not provide the same level of direct insight into thermal performance. Visual inspection cannot accurately determine thermal limits, dimensional analysis focuses on size and fit rather than material properties under temperature stress, and cross-sectional analysis may give insights into microstructural changes post-failure but would not provide real-time data on the thermal failure point.