Abstract

The characterization of polymeric materials involves many different tests which often depend upon the ultimate environment for the end product. One important area for many engineering applications is that of mechanical testing. Although the evaluation of tensile properties ranks as the most common mechanical test, standard test methods can have serious shortcomings when applied to plastics. This work seeks to study test method variability by evaluating experimental data from uni -axial tension tests conducted on a typical high-impact polystyrene at room temperature. Two common methods will be used to obtain the strain data: extensometer transducer and foil strain gage. These results will be compared for repeatability and accuracy. In addition, the experimental data will be used to determine if a simple prediction of the viscoelastic mechanical behavior can be made. The objective here is not to compare the multitude of theories regarding polymer behavior, but rather, to define some applicable theories which could be easily supported by experiments.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Polymers--Mechanical properties--Testing; Polystyrene--Testing

Publication Date

1988

Document Type

Thesis

Department, Program, or Center

Mechanical Engineering (KGCOE)

Advisor

Names Illegible

Comments

Note: imported from RIT’s Digital Media Library running on DSpace to RIT Scholar Works. Physical copy available through RIT's The Wallace Library at: TA455.P58 L635 1988

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

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