<div>The rate effect of fiber-matrix interfacial debonding behavior of SC-15 epoxy and various fiber reinforcements was studied via in-situ visualization of the debonding event. Special focus has been placed on the dynamic transverse debonding of single fiber reinforced polymer composites. In this study, the debonding force history, debonding initiation, debonding crack velocity, and crack geometry were characterized using a quasi-static load frame and a modified tension Kolsky bar at loading velocities of 0.25 mm/s and 2.5 m/s. Cruciform-shaped specimens were used for interfacial transverse debonding between SC-15 epoxy matrix and various fiber reinforcements including S-2 glass, Kevlar® KM2, and tungsten fiber materials. The load history and high-speed images of the debonding event were simultaneously recorded. A major increase was observed for the average peak debonding force and a minor increase was observed for the average crack velocity with increasing loading velocity. The crack geometry of the cruciform specimens under both loading velocities was also tracked. Scanning electron microscopy of the recovered specimens revealed the debonding direction along the fiber-matrix interface through angled patterns on the failure surface.</div><div><br></div><div>The dynamic shear debonding of single fiber reinforced plastic composites were also studied via the real-time visualization with the fiber pull-out method. The interfacial shear debonding was studied between SC-15 epoxy and fiber reinforcements including S-2 glass, tungsten, steel, and carbon composite Z-pin fiber materials at 2.5 m/s and 5.0 m/s. Both S-2 glass fiber and Z-pin experienced catastrophic interfacial debonding whereas tungsten and steel wire experienced both catastrophic debonding and stick-slip behavior. Scanning electron microscope imaging of recovered epoxy beads revealed a snap-back behavior around the meniscus region of the bead for S-2 glass, tungsten, and steel fiber materials at 5.0 m/s whereas those at 2.5 m/s exhibited no snap-back behavior.</div>

It is perhaps paradoxical that many material properties arise from the absence of material rather than the presence of it. For example, the strength, stiffness, and toughness of a concrete are related to its pore structure. Furthermore, the volume, size distribution, and interconnectivity of porosity is important for understanding permeability, diffusivity, and capillary action occurring in concrete, which are necessary for predicting service lives in aggressive environments. This research advances the state-of-the-art of multiscale characterization of cement-based materials, and uses this characterization information to model the material behavior under competing durability concerns. In the first part of this research, a novel method is proposed to characterize the entrained air void system. In the second and third parts of this research, microstructural characterization is used in tandem with mechanical models to investigate the behavior of cementitious materials when exposed to rapid rates of loading and to cyclic freezing and thawing. First, a novel analytical technique is presented which reconstructs the 3D entrained air void distribution in hardened concrete using 2D image analysis. This method proposes a new spacing factor, which is believed to be more sensitive to microstructural changes than the current spacing factor commonly utilized in practiced, and specified in ASTM C457, as a measure of concrete's ability to resist to damage under cyclic freeze/thaw loading. This has the potential to improve economy by improving the quality of petrographic assessment and reducing the need for more expensive and time-consuming freeze/thaw tests, while also promoting the durability of concrete. Second, quantitative measurements of the sizes, shapes, and spatial arrangements of flaws which are through to drive failure at strain rates above 100/s were obtained in order to model mortar subjected to high strain-rate loading (i.e., extremes in load rate). A micromechanics model was used to study the ways in which flaw geometry and flaw interaction govern damage. A key finding suggests that dynamic strength may be multimodal, with larger flaws shifting the dynamic strength upwards into the highest strength failure mode. Third, a robust theoretical approach, based upon poroelasticity, is presented to further validate the utility of the novel spacing factor proposed this research. The model is truly multiscale, using in its formulation pore size data ranging from the nanoscale to the micro-scale, entrained air data from the micro-scale to the millimeter scale, and infers a representative volume element on the centimeter scale. The results provide an underlying physical basis for the performance of the novel spacing factor. Furthermore, the framework could be used as a forensic tool, or as a tool to optimize the entrained air void system against freeze/thaw damage.

<div>Two new Kolsky bar techniques were developed to address a lack of capability in existing torsion Kolsky bar experiments. The side-impact torsion Kolsky bar provides for controllable duration, amplitude, and shape of the incident torsion wave, allowing for more ideal conditions during dynamic torsion experiments. The technique provides an ideal platform to study dynamic friction as well as dynamic shear of a material. The technique makes use of soft pulse shapers to convert longitudinal loading into torsional loading. The technique also brought forth a secondary technique to allow combined dynamic compression and dynamic torsion for soft materials. The combined loading was applied to study both shear properties and the friction behavior of a</div><div>particle composite, which was imaged using x-ray phase contrast imaging. The same composite was studied with different surface conditions on the side-impact torsion Kolsky bar to discover the differences in behavior brought about by the choice of manufacturing method. The composite showed different friction behavior to metallic</div><div>materials, and exhibited much more shear deformation during the experiment. The composite was also prone to surface evolution, leading to complex friction behavior.</div>

abstract: The stability of nanocrystalline microstructural features allows structural materials to be synthesized and tested in ways that have heretofore been pursued only on a limited basis, especially under dynamic loading combined with temperature effects. Thus, a recently developed, stable nanocrystalline alloy is analyzed here for quasi-static (<100 s-1) and dynamic loading (103 to 104 s-1) under uniaxial compression and tension at multiple temperatures ranging from 298-1073 K. After mechanical tests, microstructures are analyzed and possible deformation mechanisms are proposed. Following this, strain and strain rate history effects on mechanical behavior are analyzed using a combination of quasi-static and dynamic strain rate Bauschinger testing. The stable nanocrystalline material is found to exhibit limited flow stress increase with increasing strain rate as compared to that of both pure, coarse grained and nanocrystalline Cu. Further, the material microstructural features, which includes Ta nano-dispersions, is seen to pin dislocation at quasi-static strain rates, but the deformation becomes dominated by twin nucleation at high strain rates. These twins are pinned from further growth past nucleation by the Ta nano-dispersions. Testing of thermal and load history effects on the mechanical behavior reveals that when thermal energy is increased beyond 200 °C, an upturn in flow stress is present at strain rates below 104 s-1. However, in this study, this simple assumption, established 50-years ago, is shown to break-down when the average grain size and microstructural length-scale is decreased and stabilized below 100nm. This divergent strain-rate behavior is attributed to a unique microstructure that alters slip-processes and their interactions with phonons; thus enabling materials response with a constant flow-stress even at extreme conditions. Hence, the present study provides a pathway for designing and synthesizing a new-level of tough and high-energy absorbing materials. / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Mechanical Engineering 2017

<p>In this dissertation, we first used high-speed X-ray phase contrast imaging and infrared thermal imaging techniques to study the formation processes of adiabatic shear bands in aluminum 7075-T6 and 6061-T6 alloys. A modified compression Kolsky bar setup was developed to apply the dynamic loading. A flat hat-shaped specimen design was adopted for generating the shear bands at the designated locations. Experimental results show that 7075-T6 exhibits less ductility and a narrower shear band than 6061-T6. Maximum temperatures of 720 K and 770 K were locally determined within the shear band zones for 7075-T6 and 6061-T6 respectively. This local high temperature zone and the resulting thermal instability were found to relate to the shear band formation in these aluminum alloys. Secondly, a high-speed laser phosphorescence thermal imaging technique is developed and integrated with the compression Kolsky bar setup. The temperature field measurement during dynamic loading are performed at 100 – 200 kHz frame rate with a spatial resolution of 13 µm/pixel. The dynamic compression of copper shows 312 K temperature rise among the material surface. Experiments with thermocouple are also conducted and the results verifies the laser measurement. In the dynamic shear of aluminums, the temperature evolution during adiabatic shear band formation was observed and the results are compared with infrared measurements. The shear band was found forming at approximately 400 K and 440 K for 7075-T6 and 6061-T6, respectively, while the maximum temperature is measured as 650 K for 7075-T6 and 800 K for 6061-T6. Although the maximum temperature agrees with the infrared results, thermal softening is not considered as the main cause of the ASB formation due to the low temperature when the shear band forms.</p>

Polymers are increasingly being used in engineering designs due to their favorable mechanical properties such as high specific strength, corrosive resistance, manufacturing flexibility. The understanding of the mechanical behavior of these polymers under both static and dynamic loading is critical for their optimal implementation in engineering applications. One such polymer utilized in a wide variety of applications from medical instrumentation to munitions is Polyetherimide, referred to as Ultem. This thesis characterizes both the static and dynamic mechanical behavior of Ultem 1000 through experimental methods and numerical simulations. Standard compression experiments were conducted on and MTS test frame to characterize the elastic-plastic behavior of Ultem 1000 under quasi-static conditions. The dynamic response of the material was investigated at very high strain rates using a custom built miniaturized Kolsky bar apparatus. The smaller Kolsky bar configuration was chosen over the conventional Kolsky device to increase the maximum capable strain rates and to reduce common experimental problems such as wave dispersion, friction, and stress equilibrium. Since a universal test standard for this apparatus is not available, the details of the design, construction, and experimental procedures of this device are provided. The results of the high strain rate testing revealed a bilinear relationship between the material yield stress and strain rate. This relationship was modeled using the Ree-Eyring two stage activation process equation.

No description available.

Above true strain rates of $10^4$ s$^{-1}$ FCC metals exhibit a rapid increase in strength. Understanding of the physical mechanisms behind this strength transition is hindered by the number and interdependence of candidate mechanisms. Broadly, contributions to strength can be split into `instantaneous' effects and the more permanent `structural' ones. In this thesis a series of experiments are presented which are designed to separate the two types of contribution. Chapter 2 outlines the basics of dislocation plasticity, based on the seminal works of Taylor and Orowan. It then progresses on to discuss recent experimental and theoretical work on the understanding of slip as avalanche behaviour. Chapter 3 summarises traditional modelling approaches for instantaneous strength contributions which are routinely applied below $10^4$ s$^{-1}$. It then continues on to outline a number of different approaches which have been adopted to attempt to explain and model the strength transition. Chapter 4 outlines the methods used in the earliest stages of the study: Instron and split Hopkinson pressure bar methods. Both methods are well established, and cover the majority of the range of rates under study. Emphasis is made on minimising experimental sources of error, and subsequently accounting for those which are unavoidable. Finally, the specimen material is introduced and is shown to be fit for purpose. Chapter 5 presents a set of mechanical tests of specimens at strain rates between $10^4-10^5$~s$^{-1}$. The softening of the specimens with increased temperature is observed to increase with strain rate, both in absolute terms and when normalised to the 300 K measurement for each strain rate. The observations are most easily explained if the strength transition is due to an increase in early stage work hardening, however, some anomalous behaviours remain. Chapter 6 introduces a new experimental technique; direct impact Hopkinson pressure bars, required to perform experiments shown to be necessary by the results of Chapter 5. Photon Doppler velocimetry is applied to the projectiles used in experiments, removing one of the most significant flaws of the technique, and creating a more confident basis with which to perform further experimental work. Chapter 7 presents a series of `jump tests' at ambient temperatures. Specimens are deformed at strain rates ranging from $10^{-2}$ to $10^5$~s$^{-1}$ to a fixed strain of 0.1, then reloaded to yield at a strain rate of $10^{-1}$. The yield point at reload is shown to have the same rapid upturn as seen when the specimens were deforming at high rates, providing strong evidence that the increase in strength is due to changes in the underlying dislocation structure, rather than a dynamic effect, as it remains even when the high strain rate is removed. Chapter 8 continues on from the conclusions of Chapter 7. Jump tests are expanded to a variety of temperatures and strains, to provide a more complete characterisation of metal behaviour. No dramatic change in the saturation of work hardening is observed to coincide with the increase in early stage work hardening. Chapter 9 discusses discrepancies between contemporary high rate models and recent developments in the understanding of plasticity being an avalanche process. Potential consequences of incorporating avalanche plasticity into high rate models are explored. Particular attention is paid to Brown's observation that based on quasi static observations of avalanche behaviour, the formation of dislocation avalanches will begin to fail at strain rates of approximately $10^4$ s$^{-1}$. Consequences of the progressive breakdown of avalanche behaviour are discussed with respect to the experimental observations presented in earlier chapters. In Chapter 10, we will discuss the key conclusions of the work. Finally, a number of avenues are proposed for building upon the current work both theoretically and experimentally.

Dynamic tensile characterization of geo-materials is critical to the modeling and design of protective structures that are often made of concrete. One of the most commonly used techniques currently associated with this type of testing is performed with a Kolsky bar and is known as the spall technique. The validity of the data from the spall technique is highly debated because the necessary boundary conditions for the experiment are not satisfied. By using a technique called pulse shaping, a new “controlled” spall technique was developed to satisfy all boundary conditions so that the analyzed data may be useful in modeling and design. The results from this project were promising and show the potential to revolutionize the way Kolsky bar testing is performed.

The application of polymers in robust engineering designs is on the rise due to their excellent mechanical properties such as high fracture toughness, specific strength, durability, as well as, thermal and chemical resistances. Implementation of some advanced polymeric solids is limited due to the lack of available mechanical properties. In order for these materials to endure strenuous engineering designs it is vital to investigate their response in multiple loading rates and conditions. In this thesis, the mechanical response of polyethermide (PEI) is characterized under quasi-static, high strain rate, and multiple impact conditions. Standard tension, torsion, and compression experiments are performed in order to distinguish the multi-regime response of PEI. The effects of physical ageing and rejuvenation on the quasi-static mechanical response are investigated. The strain softening regime resulting from strain localization is eliminated by thermal and mechanical rejuvenation, and the advantages of these processes are discussed. The dynamic fracture toughness of the material in response to notched impact via Charpy impact test is evaluated. The high strain-rate response of PEI to uniaxial compression is evaluated at rates exceeding 104/s via miniaturized Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (MSHPB), and compared to the quasi-static case to determine strain-rate sensitivity. The elastic response of the aged material to multiple loading conditions are correlated using the Ramberg-Osgood equation, while the elastoplastic response of rejuvenated PEI is correlated using a both the Ramberg-Osgood equation and a novel model. The strain-rate sensitivity of the strength is found to be nominally bilinear and transition strains are modeled using the Ree-Erying formulation. Finally, multiple impact experiments are performed on PEI using the MSHPB and a model is proposed to quantify damage as a result of collision.