Mechanical Response of an Alumina-filled Epoxy at Various Strain Rates

Abstract

The compressive response of an alumina-filled epoxy composite material was characterized at various strain rates using a Kolsky bar and universal testing frame (MTS). In the Kolsky-bar experiments, dynamic stress equilibrium and constant strain-rate deformation in specimens were achieved using pulse-shaping techniques. The effects of specimen aspect ratio and interfacial friction on the dynamic response of the material were examined. Compressive stress-strain curves for the composite were obtained at strain rates ranging from 9.4 × 10-4 to 1.35 × 103 s-1 which exhibited strong strain-rate sensitivity. A material response model, which agrees well with the experimental measurements for the strain rates examined in this study, is also described.