Development of universal test methodology for toughness evaluation of HDPE products

该项目旨在开发一种新的测试方法，量化HDPE产品的韧性，以预测其使用性能。新的测试方法使用试样大小的试样，但与任何现有的试样测试，它具有定制韧性测量的目标的损伤机制的利益的灵活性。因此，产品的总体韧性可以根据使用中涉及的损伤机制的水平和类型来估计。该项目包括NOVA Chemicals HDPE树脂产品的案例研究，计划为期2年。所要求的资金是支持两名研究生（一名博士）。一个M.S.）和与研究相关的直接费用。

The project is to develop a new test methodology that quantifies toughness of HDPE products for prediction of performance in service. The new test methodology uses coupon-sized specimens, but unlike any of the existing coupon tests, it has the flexibility of tailoring toughness measurement for a targeted damage mechanism of interest. Therefore, overall toughness of a product can be estimated based on the level and the type of the damage mechanisms that are involved in service. The project includes case studies on products made of NOVA Chemicals HDPE resins, and is planned for 2 years. Funding requested is to support two graduate students (one Ph.D. and one M.Sc.) and direct costs associated with the study.