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The course aims at describing the typical mechanical behavior of polymeric materials. The mechanical behavior of polymers will be described both at small strain levels and at large deformations, with a proper emphasis on most engineering related aspects concerning the peculiar behavior of this class of materials.
- Mechanical behavior at small deformations: linear viscoelasticity; thermo-viscoelasticity; dynamic behavior. - Rubber elasticity theory. - Mechanical behavior at large deformations: yielding; fracture and characterization of the fracture bahavior.
Mechanics of polymers Introduction Behavior at small deformations: linear viscoelasticity; analogic models; relaxation and retardation time and spectra Thermoviscoelasticity: time-temperature equivalence principle; volume relaxation; free volume theory and molecular mobility. Dynamic behavior: storage and loss moduli; analogic models. Behavior at small deformations: yielding; shear yielding and crazing; yield criteria; post-yield behavior; anelasticity and plasticity; temperature and strain rate effects; thermodynamic aspects. Fracture: linear elastic fracture mechanics; stress intensity factor and energy release rate; determination of Kc and Gc; fracture behavior of viscoelastic materials; stress corrosion cracking; fatigue fracture mechanics; Paris-Erdogan law; frequency and temperature effects; testing at low and high strain rate. Rubber elasticity theory.
Lecture notes. N.G. McCrum, C.P. Buckley and C.B. Bucknall, Principles of Polymer Engineering (2nd ed.) (Oxford UniversityPress, 2002)
Lectures and practical/laboratory experiences.
Oral exam.
