Fatigue resistance of polymer-based materials

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

This project proposes to measure the long term properties of polymer composites and foams by the acquisition of a fatigue tester. Through fatigue testing, measurements over long time periods will be used to predict the end of life properties of materials in relation with crack initiation and propagation to get a full picture of all types of failure mechanisms associated with the applied load conditions. The equipment can also measure how the mechanical properties of materials change with time as a function of several parameters like static and dynamic load, frequency and amplitude. Coupled with optical and thermal measurements, the mechanical data being obtained over long time periods will substantially enhance our understanding on how small changes in morphology and temperature are related to stress-strain conditions to get the full thermo-mechanical history of the samples. The equipment requested is a modular experimental setup to perform fatigue testing under small and large amplitude deformation. All the information gathered will help design engineers in modeling the properties of complex materials in terms of quality control and optimization of complex materials. The results will also be used to determine the end of life conditions of a part before failure to propose more accurate replacement and maintenance programmes. The results obtained will be highly important for Canadian industries like automotive, aerospace, advanced/functional material science and engineering, building and construction, as well as design/control/optimization of their manufacturing processes. Finally, the equipment will support the current and future research programmes of all the co-applicants, as well as being available for the members of the different research centers involved: CREPEC (Research Center for High Performance Polymer and Composite Systems), CQMF (Quebec Center on Functional Materials), CRMR (Research Center on Renewable Materials), CRIB (Research Center on Concrete Infrastructures) and REGAL (Research Center on Aluminium).