| Abstract: | Thickness effect on impact parameters is studied and a model is developed for flat‐ended drop weight impact testing of viscoelastic materials. The model represents a relationship of specimen thickness with impact force/stress and impact energy. A polymeric material, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), was used for experimental verification. Experimental results for a thickness range of 1–9 mm at impact energy levels of 0.42, 0.96, and 1.54 J have been found to be in reasonable agreement with predictions based on the model with some approximated parameters. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 81: 1762–1767, 2001 |
