Strain Rate Dependence of Compressive Stress-Strain Loops of Several Polymers

Abstract

The compressive stress-strain loops of several commercial polymers at strain rates of nearly 700/s are determined in the standard split Hopkinson pressure bar. Four different polymers or typical thermoplastics: ABS, PA-6, PA-66 and PC are tested at room temperature. Cylindrical specimens with a slenderness ratio (= height l /diameter d) of 0.5 are used in the Hopkinson bar tests, and those with l/d = 1.5 as specified in the ASTM Designation E9-89a are used in the static tests. The stress-strain loops in compression at low and intermediate strain rates are measured in an Instron testing machine. The influences of strain rate on the Young's modulus, 2.5% flow stress and dissipation energy are investigated. It is demonstrated that the area within the stress-strain loop (or dissipation energy) increases with increasing strain rate as well as given strain, that is, all polymers tested exhibit intrinsic dynamic viscoelasticity and a high elastic aftereffect following complete unloading.