Strength of polyethylene, polypropylene and polystyrene behind a shock front
- University of Manchester, PO Box 88, Sackville Street, Manchester, M60 1QD (United Kingdom)
- AWE, Aldermaston, Reading, Berkshire, RG7 4PR (United Kingdom)
There is a recent interest in the response of thermoplastics to shock. Previous work on three simple hydrocarbons has indicated that the shear strength increases with the complexity of the side group. Strength values have been calculated using lateral stress measurements with manganin gauges that have been recalibrated for use in the low stress regime. The present work aims to investigate the effect of the configuration of the thermoplastic's chain when side groups are added. Results show that whilst polyethylene has the lowest shear strength, polypropylene and polystyrene have similar values. In all cases the strength of polymer increases with time after the shock has past. As the applied stress increases, polystrene and polypropylene strengthen to a higher degree when compared with polyethylene. Explanations are offered in terms of microstructure and tacticity of the chain.
- OSTI ID:
- 21039555
- Journal Information:
- AIP Conference Proceedings, Vol. 955, Issue 1; Conference: Conference of the American Physical Society Topical Group on Shock Compression of Condensed Matter, Waikoloa, HI (United States), 24-29 Jun 2007; Other Information: DOI: 10.1063/1.2833202; (c) 2007 American Institute of Physics; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0094-243X
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
A COMPARISON OF SOME PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF POLYETHYLENE-STYRENE GRAFT COPOLYMERS PREPARED BY THE TRAPPED FREE RADICAL METHOD AND POLYETHYLENE-POLYSTYRENE BLENDS
Lateral Stress Measurements in Pure Tungsten during Shock Loading