Mechanical properties of rubber particulates at various strain rates

• Main Author: Tan, Ming Hon.
• Other Authors: School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2010
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Mechanical engineering; DRNTU::Engineering::Materials::Testing of materials
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/40655
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

This final year project will aim to better explain the various mechanical properties that materials have, look into the material Poly(methyl methacrylate) and its various uses, and study how its mechanical properties change when undergoing various strain rates. A series of compression tests are carried following the setup prepared by fellow FYP student Judy Lee. The setup includes the actuator for compression, the substrate to hold the beads in place, along with an image capturing system for us to take pictures of the bead that is undergoing compression. Data in the form of Load and Displacement from the tests are then manipulated to obtain and plot the Stress and Strain values in order for us to study the beads behaviour when loaded under different conditions. Experimental studies are then carried out to compare the beads at different strain rates. Briefly explored also are the Hertz theory and Eyring Process Model, and how the Yield Stress of the beads differs as strain rate used on the sample beads is increased. The experimental results are evaluated and analyzed, and limitations to the studies are discussed. Avenues for future directions and expansions are then identified to facilitate more accurate and detailed assessment of a similar testing in order to obtain a clearer understanding of how the sample beads behave.