MECHANICAL-PROPERTIES OF SOME POLYMERS AND COMPOSITES AT STRAIN RATES OF 1000/S

Dynamic compression test results are presented for three polymers (polycarbonate, polyamide, and polyethylene terephtalate) and for two composite materials, a plain weave glass/epoxy with three different stacking sequences, and an aramid/epoxy (organoplastic material). Compression tests at a strain rate of about 10(3) s(-1) were conducted using the Kolsky method with the split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB). Dynamic compression diagrams and strain-rate histories were obtained for all the materials. An increase in the modulus of elasticity and in the fracture stress with strain rate was observed. For the glass-reinforced plastic and organoplastic, these parameters are also affected by the reinforcement geometry.