Dashpot

Abstract: A new model is proposed to describe the large recoverable extensions which can be observed with high polymers below their glass transition points. The model consists of a Hookean spring in series with an Eyring dashpot and rubber elasticity spring in parallel. Conventional stress-strain curves for cellulose nitrate and cellulose acetate sheet and PVC are compared with those predicted by the model. In this way many of the characteristic features of the stress-strain curves of plastics can be illustrated. Differences between the stress-strain curves of a number of polymers are discussed in terms of the model, and the tendency of a polymer to show necking is related to the ultimate network strain (limiting elongation) under the conditions of the test.

Abstract: A model is developed that describes the sharp indentation behavior of time-dependent materials. The model constitutive equation is constructed from a series of quadratic mechanical elements, with independent viscous (dashpot), elastic (spring), and plastic (slider) responses. Solutions to this equation describe features observed under load-controlled indentation of polymers, including creep, negative unloading tangents, and loading-rate dependence. The model describes a full range of viscous–elastic–plastic responses and includes as bounding behaviors time-independent elastic–plastic indentation (appropriate to metals and ceramics) and time-dependent viscous–elastic indentation (appropriate to elastomers). Experimental indentation traces for a range of olymers with different material properties (elastic modulus, hardness, viscosity) are econvoluted and ranked by calculated time constant. Material properties for these polymers, deconvoluted from single load–unload cycles, are used to predict the indentation load–displacement behavior at loading rates three times slower and faster, as well as the steady-state creep rate under fixed load.