Abstract
A method was developed for testing and characterizing composite materials at strain rates in the 100 to 500 s−1 regime. The method utilizes a thin ring specimen, 10.16 cm (4 in.) in diameter, 2.54 cm (1 in.) wide and 6–8 plies thick. This specimen is loaded by an internal pressure pulse applied explosively through a liquid. Pressure is measured by means of a calibrated steel ring instrumented with strain gages. Strains in the composite specimen are measured with strain gages. Strains in the calibration and specimen rings are recorded with a digital processing oscilloscope. The equation of motion is solved numerically and the data processed by the mini-computer attached to the oscilloscope. Results are obtained, and plotted by an X-Y plotter in the form of a dynamic stress-strain curve. Unidirectional 0-deg, 90-deg and 10-deg off-axis graphite/epoxy rings were tested at strain rates up to 690 s−1. Times to failure ranged between 30 and 60 μs. The 0-deg properties which are governed by the fibers do not vary much from the static ones with only small increases in modulus. The 90-deg properties show much higher than static modulus and strength. The dynamic in-plane shear properties, obtained from the 10-deg off-axis specimens, are noticeably higher than static ones. In all cases the dynamic ultimate strains do not vary much from the static values.
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Daniel, I.M., LaBedz, R.H. & Liber, T. New method for testing composites at very high strain rates. Experimental Mechanics 21, 71–77 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02325199
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02325199