Experimental characterization and computational simulations of the low‐velocity impact behaviour of polypropylene

The objective of this work is to validate predictive models for the simulation of the mechanical response of polypropylene undergoing impact situations. The transferability of material parameters deduced from a particular loading scenario (uniaxial loading) to a different loading situation (multiaxial loading) was studied. The material was modelled with a modified viscoplastic phenomenological model based on the G'Sell–Jonas equation. To perform the numerical simulations, a user‐material subroutine (VUMAT) was implemented in the ABAQUS/explicit finite element code. Constitutive parameters for the model were determined from isostrain rate uniaxial tensile impact test data using an inverse calibration technique. In addition, falling‐weight low‐energy impact tests were performed on disc‐shaped specimens at velocities in the range 0.7 to 3.13 m s^?1. The model predictions were evaluated by comparison of the experimental and finite element response of the falling‐weight impact tests. The G'Sell–Jonas model showed much better predictability than classical elastoplasticity models. It also showed excellent agreement with experimental curves, provided stress‐whitening damage observed experimentally was accounted for in the model using an element failure criterion. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry     

Instrumented tensile–impact test method for shape memory alloy wires

New instrumented tensile–impact test method is proposed for the characterization of shape memory alloy wires in the strain-rate range from 1 to 10² s⁻¹. The force and the velocity evolution during the impact are registered and, based on these curves, the stress–strain response at impact may be obtained. This method is able to measure strain-rate dependent parameters, such as the direct and reverse stress-induced martensitic transformation stresses or the dissipated energy. Moreover, the accuracy of properties measured with this method, such as the Young's modulus of the austenitic phase or the permanent strain after load–unload deformation, is higher than those calculated exclusively from the integration of the force–time curves.     

Analysis of the Effect of Al on the Static Softening Kinetics of C-Mn Steels Using a Physically Based Model

The effect of Al addition on the static softening behavior of C-Mn steels was investigated. Double-hit torsion tests were performed at different deformation temperatures ranging from 1198 K to 1338 K (925 °C to 1065 °C) with pass strains of ε = 0.2 and 0.35. It was found that solute Al produced a significant delay on the static softening kinetics. Additionally, at the lowest temperatures [1198 K to 1238 K (925 °C to 965 °C)] and highest Al level (2 wt pct), austenite to ferrite phase transformation was found to be concurrent with softening, leading this to higher softening retardation. The softening kinetics of the steels investigated were analyzed using a physically based model which couples recovery and recrystallization mechanisms. The main parameters of the model were identified for the present alloys. An expression for the grain boundary mobility of the base C-Mn steel was derived and the retarding effect of Al in solid solution on the static recrystallization kinetics was introduced in the model. Reasonable agreement was obtained between model and experimental results for a variety of deformation conditions.