DEFORMATION AND FRACTURE OF PMMA AT HIGH-RATES OF LOADING

The scope of this article is to study the influence of loading rates o n the deformation and the fracture of PMMA. The dynamic loading was ac hieved by means of an impact three point bend device for intermediate strain rates and by using a split Hopkinson's tensile bar apparatus fo r higher rates of loading. Tensile properties (Young modulus, yield st ress) and fracture toughness are determined in a wide range of loading rates and compared to the literature results. Scanning electron micro graphs of the tensile fracture surfaces are presented to illustrate th e dynamic effect on the crack propagation. (C) 1994 John Wiley and Son s, Inc.