Deformation of thermosetting resins at impact rates of strain. Part I: Experimental study

Three thermosetting resins have been tested in compression at strain rates between 10(-3) and 5x10(3) s(-1). A smaller number of tests have been performed on the same resins at similar strain rates in tension. The testing technique is described and the results obtained are presented. Significant differences between the three materials were found over the whole range of strain rates. All three exhibited a pronounced strain rate sensitivity. Temperature measurements, performed in compression tests at the higher strain rates, showed evidence of adiabatic heating. This revealed the presence of energy storage mechanisms in both yield and strain-stiffening regimes. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.