Prediction of the large-strain mechanical response of heterogeneous polymer systems: Local and global deformation behaviour of a representative volume element of voided polycarbonate (Q1968716)

Using a finite element model of microstructure and an elasto-viscoplastic model for glassy polymeric matrix material with periodic plane strain and irregularily distributed voids (representing low-modulus non-adhering rubbery particles under negative pressure), the authors perform simulations which show a radical change in deformation behaviour due to local bands and subsequent hardening. Yield and post-yield behaviour of these bands is believed to be primarily responsible for the thougness enhancement through cavitating particles. The (representative volume element method is applied assuming that the shapes of two opposite elements remain the same, and the signs of respective stresses are different. An ample investigation leads to the choice of a hardening model based upon multiplicative decomposition of actual deformation gradient tensor in elastic, plastic and volumetric parts. The rate of strain, the isochoric Truesdell objective rate, and the velocity gradient tensor are linked by a rate equation. The model is completed with a law correlating the stres isochoric left Cauchy-Green strain tensor and a flow rule with stress-dependent Eyring viscosity relating plastic strain rate to deviatoric effective stress. The authors also consider the softening effects and pressure dependence. Diagrams show the pressure dependence of true stress or volumetric increase-linear strain for different voids fractions.