Modeling the finite strain deformation and initial anisotropy of amorphous thermoplastic polymers

Abstract

This work deals with modeling the mechanical behavior of thermoplastic polymers in the finite strain regime over a wide range of temperatures. Thereby, special emphasis is put on the incorporation of an initial anisotropy in terms of "frozen-in" molecular orientation which results from a preceding manufacturing process. A computational example is discussed which considers an injection molded plate undergoing inhomogeneous deformation (buckling) during re-heating.