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Strain Rate Effects in Polymer Matrix Composites Under Shear Loading: A Critical Review

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Abstract

A critical review of behavior of polymer matrix composites under high strain rate shear loading is presented. A brief review of experimental methods used to investigate the dynamic shear properties of composites are included. Experimental results obtained by various researchers for high strain rate shear properties of polymer matrix composites are discussed and compared for both unidirectional and woven fabric composites. The effect of strain rate on the in-plane and interlaminar shear properties is summarized by giving a property change factor, the ratio of the value at high strain rate compared with the value at quasi-static loading. Possible damage mechanisms and modes are also discussed. For unidirectional composites the property change factor for in-plane shear strength and shear modulus ranges between 1.26 and 1.82 and 0.39–1.25 respectively and for interlaminar shear strength and modulus ranges between 0.71 and 1.47 and 0.87–0.98 respectively. On the other hand, for woven fabric composites the property change factor for in-plane shear strength and shear modulus ranges between 0.79 and 1.75 and 0.12–1.75 respectively and for interlaminar shear strength and modulus ranges between 1.55 and 1.70 and 1.24–1.33 respectively.

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Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge the support provided by Indian Institute of Technology Bombay and the College of Engineering and Computing at the University of South Carolina.

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  1. Aerospace Engineering Department, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, 400 076, India

    Addis Kidane, H. L. Gowtham & Niranjan K. Naik

  2. Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of South Carolina, 300 Main Street, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA

    Addis Kidane

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  1. Addis Kidane
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Kidane, A., Gowtham, H.L. & Naik, N.K. Strain Rate Effects in Polymer Matrix Composites Under Shear Loading: A Critical Review. J. dynamic behavior mater. 3, 110–132 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40870-017-0098-2

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