Dynamic Behaviour of Polymer-Matrix Materials

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My proposed research program investigates the dynamic response of polymer-matrix materials under high-strain-rate loading, focusing on the role of mesoscopic variations in heterogeneity on the response of the bulk materials. The dynamic response of these materials can exhibit strongly rate-dependant behaviour under mesostructural deformation and reorganization, which is often exploited in protective applications. This research program covers two thrust areas pertaining to these types of materials: (i) Polymer-matrix composites (PMCs) and (ii) Polymer foams and cellular materials, which each have their own heterogeneous characteristics. Together these thrust areas define a comprehensive research program into polymer-matrix materials under high-strain rate loading. The principal long-term objectives of the research program include: advancing the fundamental knowledge of materials under impulsive loading. investigating mesoscale variations on bulk material behaviour developing new experimental test methodologies exploring innovative materials for protective equipment training the next generation of researchers and innovators A summary of the research efforts in the proposed thrust areas is as follows: (i) PMCs have the potential to improve existing protective technologies. The addition of hard inclusions within PMCs often strengthen the surrounding polymer matrix, however limited data is available to relate mesoscale properties and bulk material response at the high strain rates. The ultimate objective of this work is to investigate the effects of a broad parametric variation of PMCs on their deformation and failure behaviour across several orders of magnitude of strain rates. (ii) Foams are used extensively in protective applications due to their energy absorption capacity. New manufacturing techniques have enabled mesoscale optimization of protective structures to provide superior protection against a wide range of potentially injurious events. The primary objective of the proposed research is to further our understanding of the dynamic response of foams under a variety of impulsive loading conditions using novel diagnostic capabilities, such as a high-speed X-ray cinematography system. The immediate industrial applications of the proposed research pertain primarily to the advancement of protective equipment. The multidisciplinary nature of the research plan, which includes elements of materials, hierarchical design, multi-rate experimental testing platforms and cutting-edge imaging modalities provides an effective training environment for my HQP. HQP training will be further enriched by close collaborations with industrial and government partners focused on advancing protective material and testing technologies relevant to a range of commercial applications (e.g., helmets). This research program, and the effective integration of HPQ from under-represented groups, will result in innovative HQP providing economic benefits to Canada.