Characterization of UHMWPE Laminates for High Strain Rate Applications

The research presented in this thesis represents an effort to characterize the properties of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). As a composite of polymers, the properties of UHMWPE are time-dependent. It is desired by research sponsors to know the properties of the material at high strain rates, in order to simulate the use of these materials in computer models. Properties believed to be significant which are investigated in this research are the tensile properties of lamina and laminates, and the interlaminar shear properties of laminates. The efficacy of using time-temperature superposition to shift tensile properties of the composite is investigated, and a novel apparent shear strength test is proposed and demonstrated. The effects of processing the material at various temperatures and pressures are also investigated.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science

Level thesis:degree_level

masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Engineering Science and Mechanics

Department dc:contributor.department

Engineering Science and Mechanics

Grantor dc:publisher

Virginia Tech

Year dc:date.issued

2010

Author dc:creator

• Cook, Frederick Philip

Chair dc:contributor.committeechair

• Case, Scott W.

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Batra, Romesh C.
• Lesko, John J.

• UHMWPE
• Time-temperature superposition

Statement dc:rights

• In Copyright

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Dc Identifier Other

etd-01072010-220751

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/30849