The effects of gage length and strain rate on tensile behavior of Kevlar® 29 single filament and yarn

Abstract

The mechanical properties of Kevlar® 29 single filaments and yarns with different gage lengths were investigated by utilizing an MTI miniature tester and an MTS load frame. Single yarns of 25 mm were also tested over four different strain rates using a drop-weight impact system. The experimental results showed that the mechanical properties of Kevlar® 29 are sensitive to gage length, structural size scale, and strain rate. The tensile strength decreased with increasing gage length and the structural scale from fiber to yarn, and increased with increasing strain rate. Weibull analysis was conducted to quantify the degree of variability in tensile strength. The obtained Weibull parameters were then used in an analytical model to simulate the stress–strain response of single yarn. Finally, Weibull parameters of single filaments with other gage lengths and strain rates were also obtained by fitting the stress–strain curves of single yarns with corresponding testing conditions.