Description of a microcomputer-automated impact fatigue system

• Published in: Polymer testing Vol. 9; no. 6; pp. 379 - 398
• Main Authors: Carling, M.J., Kraus, D.J., Adams, G.C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 1990; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; automation; computer aided analysis; Exact sciences and technology; impact testing; materials testing; Mechanical properties; microcomputers; Physical properties; Polymer industry, paints, wood; polymers; Properties and testing; Technology of polymers; J integral; Nylon; Testing equipment; Mechanical properties; Measurement method; Polycarbonate; Computer aid; Impact test
• ISSN: 0142-9418; 1873-2348
• DOI: 10.1016/0142-9418(90)90030-H

A description of a microcomputer-automated impact fatigue system is given. The system allows impact fatigue tests of up to 10 000 cycles using energies from 0·5 to 5J. The equipment is fully instrumented to measure, calculate and store complete load, displacement and energy information. Three types of data presentation are illustrated, conventional impact energy/cycles to failure plots, fracture mechanics type Delta K/da/dn plots and J intergral-crack growth (J-R) curves. The J integral curves have an unusual shape which is related to the energy absorbed by damage around the crack and which may be of some relevance to measurements of toughening mechanisms in polymers.