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，以预测其在使用中的性能。新的测试方法使用试片大小的试件，但与现有的任何试片测试不同，它具有针对感兴趣的目标损伤机制量身定做韧性测量的灵活性。因此，可以根据使用中涉及的损伤机制的级别和类型来估计产品的整体韧性。该项目包括对Nova Chemals高密度聚乙烯树脂产品的案例研究，计划为期两年。申请的资金用于支持两名研究生(一名博士和一名理学硕士)以及与这项研究相关的直接成本。

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.