Mechanical properties of Epon 826/DEA epoxy

Polymers are becoming increasingly used in aerospace structural applications, where they experience complex, non-static loads. Correspondingly, the mechanical properties at high strain rates are of increasing importance in these applications. This paper investigates the compressive properties of Epon 826 epoxy resin cured with diethynolamine (DEA) across strain rates from 10(-3)supercript stop to 10(4)supercript stop s(-1)supercript stop. Specimens were tested using an Instron mechanical testing machine for static loading, traditional split Hopkinson pressure bars (SHPBs) for high strain rates, and a miniaturized SHPB for ultra-high strain rates. Additionally, the material was tested using dynamic mechanical analysis to determine the effects of time and temperature equivalences on the strain rate behavior of the samples. The experimental data is used to fit the Mulliken-Boyce model, modified for one-dimension, which is able to capture the compressive mechanical properties over a range of strain rates.