Multilevel Analysis of Strain Rate Effect on Visco-Damage Evolution in Short Random Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites

Abstract

In this study, the strain rate sensitivity of a discontinuous short fiber reinforced composite and the strain rate effect on the damage evolution are investigated. The studied material is a polymeric composite with a polyamide 6.6 matrix reinforced with oriented randomly short glass fibers at a 50% weigh ratio (PA6.6GF50). Tensile tests at low and high strain rate are conducted. In addition, interrupted tensile tests are carried out to quantify the damage at specific stress levels and strain rates. To perform the interrupted tensile tests, an intermediate fixture is realized via double notched mechanical fuses with different widths designed to break at suitable stress levels. The damage is estimated by the fraction of debonded fibers and matrix fractures. Based on the experimental observations, it is concluded that the ultimate stress and strain, and the damage threshold are mainly governed by the strain rate. Furthermore, it is established that the considered composite has a non-linear dynamic behavior with a viscous damage nature.