The effect of temperature on the failure of a simple perspex structure

Abstract

The temperature dependence of polymers is well known. From the 1950s onward semi-empirical relationships such as the Williams-Landel-Ferry (WLF) have been used to predict flow and, by extension, strain rate properties of polymers. Group Interaction Modelling, from the 1990s onwards, has been increasingly used to predict a range of static and dynamic properties from knowledge of the chemical structure. In a series of parallel developments the analysis of loading systems such as the Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) has moved from the application of simple analytic relationships to the use of complete modelling of the loading system and the sample. This paper reports the response of two simple structures, a polymer disc and a polymer disc with a small axial hole, loaded over a range of stresses, strain rates and temperature. Overall this study gives insight into how the polymer failure envelope changes with temperature and strain rate.