Effects of strain rate and temperature on the tension behavior of polycarbonate

Tension stress–strain responses of polycarbonate are presented for strain rates of 1 × 10−3 s−1–1700 s−1 and temperatures ranging from −60 to 20 °C. The high rate tension tests are performed using a split Hopkinson tension bar apparatus. The influence of strain rate and temperature on the tension behavior of polycarbonate is investigated. Experimental results indicate that the tension behavior of polycarbonate exhibits nonlinear characteristics and rate-temperature sensitivity. The values of yield strength and strain at yield increase with the increase of strain rate and decrease with increasing temperature. A viscoelastic constitutive model consisting of a nonlinear spring and a nonlinear Maxwell element is proposed to characterize the rate and temperature dependent deformation behavior of polycarbonate prior to yielding.

Highlight
► Yield strength and strain at yield increase with increasing strain rate.
► Yield strength and strain at yield decrease with increasing temperature.
► The tension behavior is characterized by a nonlinear viscoelastic model.