Title: Behaviour characterisation of polymeric foams over a large range of strain rates

Authors: H. Zhao, G. Gary

Addresses: Laboratoire de Mecanique et Technologie-Cachan, Universite Pierre et Marie Curie (Paris 6), 61 Avenue du president Wilson, 94235 Cachan cedex, France. Laboratoire de Mecanique des Solides, Ecole Polytechnique, 91128 Palaiseau, France

Abstract: The testing and modelling of the mechanical behaviour of some polymeric foams involved in the automotive industry are presented. A variety of current experimental arrangements over a large range of strain rates have been reviewed. Recent improvements of a particularly useful technique for impact loading – the split Hopkinson bar - are presented. A phenomenological model is developed to describe experimental data. Difficulties for 3-dimensional testing and modelling are also discussed.

Keywords: crash test; material behaviour; polymeric foams; SHPB, car crash; strain rates.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.2002.002028

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 2002 Vol.30 No.1/2, pp.135-145

Published online: 15 Aug 2003 *

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