Strain rate sensitivity of the in-plane mechanical properties of two UHMWPE thin ply composites

• DOI: 10.1016/j.polymertesting.2023.108187
• Publication Date: 2023-09-02T05:59:52Z
• Authors: Thibault Poulet; Anthony Bracq; Yaël Demarty; Franck Lauro; Nadia Bahlouli
• Keywords: Digital image correlation; Tensile testing; Shear modulus

The mechanical characterisation of two recent grades Ultra High Molecular Weight PolyEthylene (UHMWPE) fibres composite is proposed. Used in bulletproof vests, they share the same type fibres, while composed different matrices (respectively polyurethane and rubber). in-plane performed through tensile tests on thin layer samples at 0°of shear, both quasi-static dynamic conditions. Digital Image Correlation used for each test to accurately measure strains evaluate its homogeneity. To study strain rate effect, various experimental methods were adapted: universal press, drop tower, Split Hopkinson Tensile Bars (SHTB). A significant increase stiffness with was observed materials At 0°, it transcribed into an 60% Young's modulus, 40% failure stress. shear modulus multiplied by even eight depending considered grade.