Dynamic crack propagation and arrest in rapid prototyping material

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to find the response of micro‐layered rapid prototyping material under impact loading.Design/methodology/approachA modified Hopkinson Bar was used to impart impact loading in velocities ranging from 2‐7 m/s. Strain gages and stress wave theory were employed to calculate the load‐point force and displacement. Hence the dynamic crack initiation and propagation energies were calculated.FindingsIt was found that the crack deflection and inter layer delamination mechanisms lead to greater absorption of crack propagation energy and hence offer better resistance to crack propagation as compared to monolithic acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).Practical implicationsThe finding will lead to greater confidence for the use of rapid prototypes as direct‐use parts subjected to low velocity impact.Originality/valueAlthough the static properties of ABS material used in rapid prototyping are well documented, this paper is one of the first reported researches in measuring the impact response of the micro layered ABS.