Evaluation of impact fracture toughness of polymeric materials by means of the J-integral approach.: An article from: Polymer Engineering and Science

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From the author: The most commonly accepted method of determining impact fracture toughness of polymeric materials that exhibit small scale yielding and negligible influence of dynamic effects is given by the ISO/DIS 17281 Standard, which states that for brittle behavior, basically a linear relationship exists between the fracture energy, U, and the energy calibration factor, [empty set]. This relationship allows calculation of the critical strain energy release rate, [G.sub.IC], from the slope of the U vs. BW[empty set] plot. This paper describes a simpler alternative methodology capable of evaluating impact fracture toughness using the [J.sub.c] parameter. The J-integral is evaluated at the instability load point, by calculating the fracture energy required to produce cleavage behavior of a pre-cracked specimen. The methodology is limited to single edge notched three-point-bending specimens with a crack to depth ratio equal to 0.5. Tests were carried out on an instrumented falling weight impact testing machine on the follow ing materials: PP (polypropylene), HDPE (high-density polyethylene), MDPE (mid-density polyethylene) and RT-PMMA (rubber toughened polymethylmetaciylate). Results are in excellent agreement with the critical values determined by the ISO/DIS 17281 Standard.

Citation Details
Title: Evaluation of impact fracture toughness of polymeric materials by means of the J-integral approach.
Author: Laura A. Fasce
Publication:Polymer Engineering and Science (Refereed)
Date: May 1, 2003
Publisher: Society of Plastics Engineers, Inc.
Volume: 43 Issue: 5 Page: 1081(15)

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