Mechanical properties and failure mechanisms of closed-cell PVC foams

Michele Colloca, Gleb Dorogokupets, Nikhil Gupta, Maurizio Porfiri

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

A comprehensive study of the mechanical behaviour of closed-cell polyvinyl chloride (PVC) foams with varying densities is conducted under tension, compression and impact loading. Experimental results on four classes of high-performance PVC foams show that the elastic modulus, strength and energy absorption of such foams are highly dependent on density. The compressive energy absorption is considerably higher than that under tensile loading. Impact resistance is found to increase linearly with foam density over the range of densities explored. In particular, it is demonstrated that the maximum impact energy and impact resistance are both attained by the PVC foam with the highest density. The impact test results are integrated with findings from high-speed camera and ultrasound imaging of failed specimens to explore the correlation between energy absorption and damage mechanisms. Experimental results on quasi-static behaviour are interpreted using available modelling tools for closed-cell foams to establish design guidelines.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)327-336
Number of pages10
JournalInternational Journal of Crashworthiness
Volume17
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 1 2012

Keywords

  • automotive material
  • cellular polymer
  • foam
  • impact
  • mechanical properties

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Transportation
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

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