Strain Rate Dependent Constitutive Modelling of 3D Printed Polymers

Abstract

Experimental results from 3D printed TPC (thermoplastic copolyester) compression specimens were used to develop a combined experimental-numerical framework to support the design of e.g. 3D printed mouthguards. First, a commercially available material model capable of representing the strain-rate dependent behaviour of materials undergoing large deformations is identified. Second, experimental results from solid 3D printed compression specimens are used to calibrate the identified material models. Third, 3D printed compression specimens with two different cavity geometries are used to assess the ability of the material model to accurately reproduce the experimental observations. The numerical investigation indicates a good representation of the strain rate dependent experimental results of 3D printed specimens.