Experimental investigation of compaction wave propagation in cellular polymers

Abstract

In the present study, an experimental setup has been developed to facilitate the in-situ characterization of wave propagation and full-field deformation response of polymeric foams subjected to high velocity direct impact. Full-field measurements are conducted using ultra high speed digital image correlation (DIC). Impact experiments are carried out over a range of impact velocities, while the formation and propagation of compaction wave across the length of the specimen, from the impact side to the support end of the specimen, is observed and quantified through a comprehensive deformation analysis. Full-field stress distribution obtained from experiment through non-parametric method along with the measured full-field strain are used to identify the energy dissipation mechanisms associated with wave propagation in the material.