Instrumental falling weight impact testing of polymethacrylate and high density polyethylene.

Abstract

A study has been made of the Instrumented Falling Weight Impact Test, investigating and analysing the effect of test parameters and specimen geometry on the characteristic results of the test. Two materials, poly(methylmethacrylate) and high density polyethylene are chosen, which exhibit typical extremes of brittle or ductile behaviour. High speed photography is used to monitor the development of deformation and progress of failure during the impact test. The major features of typical force-time curves obtained from the tests on PMMJL and HDPE are thus characterised in terms of failure development and quantified. Analyses are adopted which enable materials property data, such as modulus, E , fracture or yield stress, [Sigma][Subscript] f , [Sigma] [Subscript] y and a fracture parameter, G [Subscript] c to be obtained from the tests conducted on flat plates. A framework is proposed which would enable extraction of similar materials data from a wide range of plastics during routine testing with the falling weight test method.