Dynamic Tensile Testing of Brittle Composites Using a Hydraulic Pulse Machine: Stress-Strain Synchronization and Strain Rate Limits

Abstract

The effect of synchronization on the test results is explored by performing dynamic tensile tests on several continuous-fibre composite laminates. The results show that synchronization is key, because a delay of a single microsecond significantly affects the test outcome at high strain rates. Additionally, several upper limits on the maximum achievable strain rate of the experimental set-up are determined with the aid of a finite element model. These limits depend on the characteristics of the used equipment, the properties of the tested material and the chosen specimen dimensions.

Keywords

• high strain rate
• tensile properties
• polymer composites
• carbon/epoxy
• glass/polyamide-6
• data reduction