Mechanical Response of Precursor and Post-draw UHMWPE Fibers under Dynamic Loading

Yule Li, Purdue University

Abstract

Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers are widely used due to their higher tensile strength and lower density compared to aramid fibers such as Kevlar® and Twaron® fibers. Material response of UHMWPE single fibers such as tensile stress-strain of different strain rates is important to develop their further applications. In this thesis, an experimental study was conducted to characterize the mechanical response of two UHMWPE single fibers, Precursor fiber and Post-draw fiber, under both uniaxial dynamic tension and biaxial shear/tension loading. The cross-sections of the Precursor and Post-draw fiber were imaged by scanning electron microscope. The cross-sectional area was not perfect circular shape but the area was measured. Trial tests of seven different adhesives were carried out under dynamic tension to evaluate their bonding performance. The effect of bonding spot size of adhesives was also studied. Three single fiber gripping methods were utilized and compared to obtain the UHMWPE fibers’ stress-strain response under both quasi-static and dynamic tension loading. The effect of torsional strain on the single fiber’s tensile strength was also studied.

Degree

M.S.A.A.

Advisors

Chen, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Aerospace engineering

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