Bond-Based Peridynamic Model for Tensile Deformation and Fracture of Polycarbonate and Polypropylene

Abstract

Fracture mechanics has been a crucial aspect in the field of engineering science as technologies are rapidly growing nowadays. Various numerical methods have been developed to analyze fracture behaviour in different types of materials used in industries. Meanwhile, the application of polymers garners attention worldwide due to outstanding characteristics such as good strength, lightweight, and high temperature resistance, exemplified by polymers like polycarbonate (PC) and polypropylene (PP). Hence, failure aspects of such materials must be taken into consideration when conditions arise that may lead to failure, such as high-load impact, fatigue, and extreme temperatures. In this study, a bond-based Peridynamic model (PD) for the tensile behaviour, including fracture, of polymers has been developed. The PD model is constructed using the Centos software and encompasses both brittle and ductile fracture behaviours. Numerical results, including crack propagation, damage zone, and force-extension curves of notched specimens, are validated by comparison with experimental results of PC and PP. Through the validation process, PC specimens exhibit a difference percentage range for maximum load and rupture extension of 2.9% to 18.8% and 2.4% to 4.6%, respectively. PP specimens show a difference percentage range for maximum load and rupture extension of 31.2% to 43.5% and 0.9% to 30%, respectively. Consequently, the validation results indicate that the PD model for brittle specimens aligns more closely with experimental data compared to the PD model for ductile specimens.