Analysis of the polypropylene mechanical behaviour response:

Experiments and numerical modeling

H.M. Meddah
a,
*
, N. Selini
b
, M. Benguediab
b
, M. Bouziane Mohamed
b
, M. Belhamiani
b
a
Department of Mechanical Engineering, University Mustapha Stambouli of Masacra, Masacra, Algeria
b
Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Sidi Bel Abbes, Bp 89, Cit Ben Mhidi, Sidi Bel Abbes 22000, Algeria
a r t i c l e i n f o
Article history:
Received 26 February 2009
Accepted 26 April 2009
Available online 8 May 2009
Keywords:
Polypropylene
Semi-crystalline
Mechanical behaviour
FEM
a b s t r a c t
The security requirements in the industrial world incite an ever deeper understanding of the behaviour
and the fracture of polymeric materials used as structural parts of the passenger compartment. We are
looking at a polypropylene commonly used in this eld in order to identify the physical processes respon-
sible for their mechanical properties. The mechanical characterization of the response of the polymer
under simple and complex strain relies on a unique method of combining performing numerical analysis
techniques. The behaviour of polypropylene with large deformations dissipative involves several pro-
cesses. Its consequences on the mechanical properties of materials are signicant. The analysis of these
results to emphasis that the plasticity of the polymer involves addition mechanical properties. Taken
together, these observations can lay the groundwork for a thermodynamic modeling of the behaviour
law to this class of polymer. The contribution of this approach was demonstrated by experimental and
numerical modeling of the polypropylene mechanical behaviour.
2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
1. Introduction
The semi-crystalline polymers are materials with a complex
microstructure consisting of a disordered amorphous phase vis-
cous nature of a phase and crystalline structure. The coexistence
and the interaction of these two phases of very different natures
are at the root of the complexity of their macroscopic behaviour
that could come within the purview of such behaviour elastovisco-
plastic [17]. It must be seen in the point of microscopic view;
polymer material is as complex as each of the three levels of micro-
structure plays a role in the deformation. A wide spherolites, crazes
may be formed at interspherolitics. Meanwhile, spherolites may be
deformed, leading to the destruction of tapes. In terms of crystal-
line lamellae and the amorphous phase, we can see a stretch of
the whole or shear, which will be translated obviously on a smaller
scale by slipping chains amorphous phase.
Several avenues of study of the rupture have come to our atten-
tion in the literature. The rst takes place at the scale of the
mechanics of continuous media. Position of initial defect (crack
or discontinuity), this approach can predict the evolution of the lat-
ter depending on the condition of loading and led a mechanical
characterization of quantities at time of the rupture. Other ap-
proaches include phenomenological look simple mathematical
models to bring sufcient conditions for the beginning of failure.
The expression of the criteria as well as the descriptors set game
can be different depending on the size of plastic processes develop-
ing in the material.
Polypropylene is a polyolen catalyst obtained by linear stereo-
specique of propene. This type of catalyst allows the synthesis of
isotactic polypropylene (most recently syndiotactique), which only
shows the properties required a structural use.
Our work takes place in this context, and is being conducted in
partnership with major players in the industry.
The objective is to portray the different ways of possible study
and choose the most appropriate approach of description of our
polypropylene, the establishment of the constitutive laws and of
fracture criteria relevant in a nite element simulation of polypro-
pylenes structure behaviour usually used in industry. We will rst
present some information that will glimpse the signicance of the
effects combines the formulation and implementation of the poly-
propylene behaviour law.
After a presentation of the background and the general princi-
ples, we show the performance of a numerical approach.
2. Theoretical principle of polymers deformation
The modeling of polymers is based on the rst step the Voigt
and Maxwell reological model types. These models allow to
combine with the viscoelasticity and viscoplasticity, the two
behaviours which is identied in polymers. In the case of semi-
crystalline polymers, there are different behaviours of crystalline
0261-3069/$ - see front matter 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
doi:10.1016/j.matdes.2009.04.043
* Corresponding author.
E-mail address: hmmeddah@yahoo.fr (H.M. Meddah).
Materials and Design 30 (2009) 41924199
Contents lists available at ScienceDirect
Materials and Design
j our nal homepage: www. el sevi er . com/ l ocat e/ mat des
and amorphous phases. The models employed a unique equation
for different behaviours of two phases [8]. Other models, based
on the equation of Eyring [9] can response rubber elasticity of
the amorphous phase as far as deformation of the crystalline phase
[10]. Other models have been chosen to introduce solely on the
modeling of crystalline texture [1113]. The polymer is then con-
sidered as a cluster comprised of polycrystalline crystallites ran-
domly assigned. The crystalline phase is supposed to have
viscoplastic behaviour; the crystalline lamellae are distorted by
shearing, parallel or perpendicular to the chains [1416]. In order
to take into account the contribution of the amorphous phase to
the plastic deformation implies an undervaluation plastic hard-
ness, particularly in shearing. This will be checked that quantity
of amorphous phase will be signicant in polymer.
3. Experiment
The analysis of polymer behaviour shows that a relevant mod-
eling behaviour must be based on a mechanical approach, or at
least their mechanical effect.
3.1. Materials
A commercial polypropylene PP homopolymer supplied by
Goodfellow is used. The number-average molecular weight and
the weight-average molecular weight are about M
n
= 25 Kg/mol
and M
w
= 180 Kg/mol, respectively. The crystal content is about
55%. The glass transition temperature is about 20 C and the
melting temperature is almost 170 C. Since the glass transition
temperature of the amorphous phase is lower than ambient tem-
perature, it is in the rubbery state [17].
3.2. Behaviour law parameters
3.2.1. Experimental methods
The polypropylene material has initially studied starting from
tensile tests. Experimental uniaxial tensile tests are conducted to
determine the polypropylene constitutive law. The specimen was
taken from a plate. The geometry is corresponded to ASTM D638
M1A standard (Fig. 1) such as the overall length is of 100 mm,
the width of the barrel is of 35 mm, and in melts of notch is of
10 mm.
True axial stressstrains were locally measured using a video-
extensometer connected to the Instron operating system to work
on a wide eld of speeds 0.1, 0.01, and 0.001 mm/s. The mechanical
properties of polypropylene withdrawn of the tests are presented
in Table 1.
Young modulus (E) is given graphically to leave elastic slopes of
tensile curves. It can be then considered like apparent because it
takes account of the viscosity of material. In calculations by nite
elements, the elastic module chosen will be the apparent module.
The Poissons ratio (m) is given to leave slope of longitudinal
deformation curve in function of the side deformation on the same
specimens. In the zone where the deformation remain homoge-
neous (before necking), the Poissons ratio average value is 0.4.
Just like graphical determination of the Young modulus, deter-
mination of (r
0
) employ serious problems precise details on the
true axial stressstrain curve. The stress (r
0
) represents limit be-
tween the eld perfectly elastic and the beginning of plasticity.
Determination of this limit is difcult to obtain, because of the vis-
cosity presence.
The different material properties can be drawn from the curve
(Fig. 2). Curves who illustrate, respectively, the behaviour frequent
at ambient temperature under uniaxial request slow of a semi
crystalline polymer reveal three principal steps:
Step 1: the beginning of the curve presents a quasi linear high
slope at the origin. This part is called viscoelastic response. A
softening almost absent, for which the yield stress present a
transition round progressive.
Step 2: deformation becomes irreversible, necking develops. This
step is associated partly with unfolding macromolecules under
applied the deformation effect. The necking stabilizes and the
minimal diameter of specimen does not decrease almost any
more. Shoulders necking are propagated towards ends of the
specimen. This propagation is translated by a weak variation
of load.
Fig. 1. Specimens geometry on tension test.
Table 1
Mechanical properties of the polypropylene.
de=dt S
1
E (MPa) ry (MPa) t Density
0.1 2240 52 0.4 0.9
0.01 2140 42
0.001 2100 38
0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
b
3
r
3
+b
4
r
2
+b
5
r

1
.r. exp(-b
1
r)
2
. (1-exp(-b
2
r))

3
Step 3 Step 2 Step 1
T
r
u
e

a
x
i
a
l

S
t
r
e
s
s

(
M
P
a
)
True axial Strain
0,001 /S
0,01 /S
0,1 /S
Fig. 2. Tensile true stressstrain curves of polypropylene.
H.M. Meddah et al. / Materials and Design 30 (2009) 41924199 4193
Step 3: this step, qualied of beginning of structural hardening
and truth similarly dependent on the orientation chains accord-
ing to the strain principal direction.
According to Fig. 2, for deformations fewer than 35%, one no-
tices more the strain rate is high, more the stress is signicant.
The softening is marked less, it is followed of a long plate and n-
ishes by a hardening. There is the same behaviour for all speeds.
The calculation of young modulus is done in the linear part (elas-
tic), the end of this limit represent the yield stress, the latter is lo-
cated thus before the peak of stress r
y
(with approximately from
2% of axial strain).
One nds the same behaviour, more the strain rate is high, and
more the elasticity module and the stress with the peak is too high
(Fig. 3).
From these results the logarithmic strain rate as a function of
the logarithmic yield stress plot can be obtained and it is shown
in Fig. 4. The slope of this straight line corresponds to the of prob-
ability logarithmic magnitude for the tensile tests it was found to
have a value of 13.6. Intersect of this line gives an estimation of
the pre-exponential factor. Distribution description of probability
will be done better with a threshold.
4. Numerical implementation
The nite element method is used widely in order to study and
calculation, after division of system elements, the unknown
variables to transform partial differential equations in algebraic
equations. These equations can be modelled, with simplifying
assumptions, the problems of solid mechanics [1822].
This work is dedicated with the presentation of behaviour law
via an implementation in Abaqus UMAT within the framework
of one numerical simulation. For a rst exploration of the potential
of this local approach, we simplify the model by assuming behav-
iour isotropic to large deformation and hardening beyond the
threshold.
4.1. Basic formulation of constitutive equations
In this section a continuum mechanics formulation is used
[23,24]. Assumptions of linearity elastic behaviour of the material
impose on the potential qw to be a quadratic invariant tensor of
the deformations (Eq. (1)). w is then a linear combination of the
rst invariant: e
e
I
_ _
2
e
e
_ _
2
and of the second invariant e
e
II

1
2
e
e
_ _
2
qw
1
2
k e
e
I
_ _
2
4le
e
II
_ _
1
k and l are the Lame coefcients.
The property of the elastic strain introduces the shear elastic
module G and the elastic modulate of compression hydrostatic K.
The expression potential of energy free is written (Eq. (2)):
qw
1
2
3K 2G
3
e
e
I
_ _
2
4Ge
e
II
_ _
qw
1
2
K e
e
I
_ _
2
4Ge
0e
II
_ _
2
where e
0e
represents the deviatory elastic strain.
While making intervened the youngs modulus E and the Pois-
sons ratio m. Thermodynamic potential takes the expression given
to the Eq. (3)
qw
1
2
tE
1 t1 2t
e
e
I
_ _
2
2
E
1 t
e
e
II
_ _
3
The law is obtained by the Eq. (4):
r
e
q
@w
@e
e
K e
e
_ _
1 2Ge
0e
4
The constitutive law, during the plastic deformation, rise partic-
ularization of the free energy potential and of the potential of dis-
sipation thus that choice criterion of plasticity.
The results obtained regarding to the large deformations show
that a phenomenon of the work is proclamation by a hardening.
The elastic behaviour and work hardening are the different physi-
cal natures and can exist separately. Indeed, hardening can utilize
slips on the level of the chains, contrary with the elastic strain.
These considerations allow free energy in the partition form of en-
ergy dependent on the elastic strain w
e
and hardening energy w
r
(Eq. (5))
qw qw
e
e
e
qw
r
r 5
The expression hardening force rise phenomenological observa-
tions behaviour of material. It allows reproducing the stressstrain
curve of simple tensile request. Thus, this expression allows taking
in account the existence of a threshold (Q
3
), the hook observes
with the plasticity starting (Q
2
(1-exp(-b
2
r))), the stress plate
(Q
1
rexp(b
1
r)) as well as hardening in large deformations
(b
3
r
3
+ b
4
r
2
+ b
5
r). These expressions approach to the expressions
used by Tillier in multiplicative model of the elastoplastic behav-
iour law with stress with the plastic deformation [25]. The general
expression Eq. (6) for qw
r
:
qw
r
br
br
Q
1
b
1
r
1
b
1
_ _
exp b
1
r Q
2
r
expb
2
r
b
2
_ _

b
3
4
r
4

b
4
3
r
3

b
5
2
r
2
_ _
_
6
2080
2100
2120
2140
2160
2180
2200
2220
2240
2260
0 0,02 0,04 0,06 0,08 0,1
d/dt (S-1)
Y
o
u
n
g
'
s

M
o
d
u
l
u
s

E

(
M
P
a
)
32
34
36
38
40
42
44
46
48
50
52
Y
i
e
l
d

S
t
r
e
s
s

0
(
M
P
a
)
Young's Modulud (MPa)
Yield Stress (MPa)
Fig. 3. Youngs modulus and yield stress versus strain rate for tensile experiments.
y = 13,655 x - 50,919
-8
-7
-6
-5
-4
-3
-2
-1
0
3.58 3.68 3.78 3.88 3.98
Ln (0)
L
n

(
d

/
d
t
)
Fig. 4. Logarithmic strain rates versus logarithmic yield stress for tensile
experiments.
4194 H.M. Meddah et al. / Materials and Design 30 (2009) 41924199
In order to accommodate the stress hardening during the load-
ing, we choose the following expression for R following previous
studies [26].
R associated to r can be calculated by applying the law [7].
r q
@w
@e
e
X q
@w
@e
p
R q
@w
@r
_

_
7
X: tensor of the second order of components X
ij
.
R: load associated to the isotropic hardening variable.
R q
@w
@r
q
@w
r
@r
b
0
r 8
R Q
1
r expb
1
r tQ
2
1 expb
2
r
b
3
r
3
b
4
r
2
b
5
r Q
3
9
where Q
3
, Q
2
, b
2
, Q
1
, b
1
, b
3
, b
4
, and b
5
are material constants.
The formalism was implemented in the commercial code ABA-
QUS using the UMAT subroutine making a nite element modeling
of the structure behaviour. We have an experimental database
including a uniform tensile simple test on smooth specimens. Sim-
ple tests are sufciently well instrumented to be used as a basis of
parameters identication of polypropylene behaviour law. How-
ever, all our parameters are identiable to leave of the rst three
tests. The state law and the evolution laws are fully coupled. An
implicit NewtonRaphson scheme is used to solve the set of the
model equations.
We consider the simplest analysis (uniaxial tensile). Given the
model imperfections, we justify anyway the contribution of its
components piezo-dependent of plasticity criterion.
The numerical analysis of tensile tests of notched specimens
will be then used for validation modeling in complex situation
(Fig. 1).
4.2. Meshing
A specimens geometry was studied by symmetry; only 1/4 of
this one is meshed to represent the full structure. In the notched
zone, the mesh is rened using element quadratic with reduced
integration 6-node modied quadratic plane strain triangle
CPE6 M, contrary at the smooth zone where this one is coarser
to using element quadratic 8-node biquadratic plane stress quadri-
lateral, reduced integration CPS8R. The total number of nodes is
of 905 and 280 elements. Tests on our specimen were carried out
imposed displacement with the nodes of head. Numerically it is
not possible to return directly such a condition of loading in calcu-
lation. Initially, longitudinal displacement of specimen was mea-
sured during a rate test of variable diametrical reduction. Fig. 5
indicates the meshing used in the geometry.
5. Results and discussion
The nite elements resolution allowed us to analysis numeri-
cally and to determine the elds distribution of deformations in
a specimens in the notch vicinity obtained for analysis the tensile
tests with imposed displacement concerning to four deferent ratio
rates reports, 0.2, 0.6, 1, and 1.4 mm.
Fig. 6 presents the evolutions and the localization of the longi-
tudinal deformations in the useful zones and homogenized. It is
noted that the deformations are concentrated in notch bottom, this
concentration decreases far from this zone, in addition, this
concentration grows with the increasing of displacement. The
deformed zone is smaller that the useful zone, it is homogeneous
in one transverse section; however the deformations distribution
is not homogeneous on the side near to the defect, and is subjected
with stresses of amplitude relatively weak. The deformations
strongest are localised at the notched bottom of which the ampli-
tude decrease with the far from measurement that one moves
away of this zone. If the yield stress of material exceeds, a plastic
zone in the vicinity bottom of notch appears.
Fig. 7 presents the variation of the equivalent stress of Von-
Mises in terms of time realized by the nite elements method
and taken in a specimens centre (the most requested part) for
the same analysis of tensile tests with four reports displacement
ratios 0.2, 0.6, 1, and 1.4 mm. The results are logical because one
notice an evolution of equivalent stress all in increasing displace-
ment. For a displacement of 0.2, a linear evolutions can not be ex-
ceeded the yield stress of material. On the other hand, for other
displacements, one notices formation of the plasticity with a hook
appearance observed with starting of the plasticity thus that
hardening.
For our taking into account of the sensibility and of the imposed
displacement effect, one presents the stressstrain curves variation
in function of time taken in the specimen centre (Figs. 8ad). Of our
model, we have drawn stressstrain curves for our material on all
range of measurement.
One observes that in imposing an increasing of displacement,
show us an increase of stress maximum thus that of strain.
Concerning the general aspect of the curves; two results inter-
esting are to mention. The rst concern the presence of a tensile
hook on the level end maximum end, for three displacements
(0.6, 1, and 1.4 mm) this hook indicates an effect of material struc-
ture; the tensile hook indicates the rapid formation of constraint
which supports the majority elongation and the effort.
The second point interesting relates to the plate of plastic defor-
mation obtained after the hook traction. The load remains about
constant and characterized by one new-hardening. This result indi-
cates a strong plastic ow associated an orientation and a slip of
Fig. 5. Typical meshing of specimens.
H.M. Meddah et al. / Materials and Design 30 (2009) 41924199 4195
the chains. In the end, bres are strongly stretched; they create an
additional resistance then. The transverse deformations are how-
ever under estimated in majority cases. One can give in question
the isotropy assumption, the dilation over-estimated in transverse
direction be opposed with the reduction of section involving the
least transverse deformation in the numerical simulation. This
Fig. 6. Longitudinal strain elds.
4196 H.M. Meddah et al. / Materials and Design 30 (2009) 41924199
explanation could be applied on the results of the longitudinal
deformation, an isotropic model can to lead to over-estimate e
yy
to compensate under estimate of e
xx
(Figs. 9ad).
The numerical model reproduced with less of 13% meadows the
developments of load and displacement on the ligament until
appearance of plasticity (Figs. 10ad). As does, the loads so that
their sensitivities of strain rate are correctly predicted.

y
y
(d = 1mm)
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
0
0,02
0,04
0,06
0,08
0,1
0,12
0,14
0,16
0,18
0,2

y
y

(
M
P
a
)
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2
Time (S)
Fig. 8c. Stressstrain curves as a function of time (d = 1 mm).
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2
Time (S)
(d = 1.4mm)
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
0
0,05
0,1
0,15
0,2
0,25
0,3

y
y

(
M
P
a
)

y
y
Fig. 8d. Stressstrain curves as a function of time (d = 1.4 mm).
(d = 0.2mm)
0.007
0.0075
0.008
0.0085
0.009
0.0095
0.01
0.0105
Ligament (mm)

y
y

-0.008
-0.0075
-0.007
-0.0065
-0.006
-0.0055
-0.005
-0.0045
-0.004
-0.0035
-0.003

x
x

0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Fig. 9a. Evolution of the transverses deformations as a function of the ligament
(d = 0.2 mm).
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2
Time (S)

e
q

(
V
o
n
-
M
i
s
e
s
)

M
P
a
d=0.2 mm
d=0.6 mm
d=1 mm
d=1.4 mm
Fig. 7. Evolution of the equivalent stress as a function of time.
(d= 0.2mm)
0
5
10
15
20
25
30

y
y

(
M
P
a
)
0
0,01
0,02
0,03
0,04
0,05
0,06
0,07
0,08
0,09
0,1

y
y
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2
Time (S)
Fig. 8a. Stressstrain curves as a function of time (d = 0.2 mm).

y
y
(d = 0.6mm)
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
0
0,01
0,02
0,03
0,04
0,05
0,06
0,07
0,08
0,09
0,1

y
y

(
M
P
a
)
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2
Time (S)
Fig. 8b. Stressstrain curves as a function of time (d = 0.6 mm).
(d= 0.6mm)
0.04
0.045
0.05
0.055
0.06
0.065
0.07
-0.06
-0.055
-0.05
-0.045
-0.04
-0.035
-0.03
Ligament (mm)

x
x

y
y

0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Fig. 9b. Evolution of the transverses deformations as a function of the ligament
(d = 0.6 mm).
H.M. Meddah et al. / Materials and Design 30 (2009) 41924199 4197
The results are located enough logically, the pace of the curves
loaddisplacement along the ligament are appreciably similar to
the four tests. The role of reinforcing loads mineral could leave to
wait a dissipation of energy more signicant of material and thus
a signicant variation between responses at various rates. The
curves similarities attest the importance effect of structure on this
analysis, limiting the behaviour polymers expression.
The curves show a peak of load occurring front plasticity of
material like attest Fig. 6 contours of deformations.
The tests with higher rate lead on levels of displacement and
load clearly more signicant what led with a consumption of en-
ergy more signicant.
6. Conclusions
The objective of this study allows us to propose a mechanical
characterization of polypropylene. We are interested in develop-
ment of a suited model to describe the behaviour of this material
class.
Experimental results gave useful information about the re-
quired true stressstrain behaviour of the polypropylene based
on a non-contact method.
(d =1mm)
0.115
0.116
0.117
0.118
0.119
0.12
0.121
0.122
0.123
0.124
0 1 2 3 4 5
Ligament (mm)
-0.116
-0.115
-0.114
-0.113
-0.112
-0.111
-0.11
-0.109
-0.108
-0.107
-0.106

y
y

x
x

Fig. 9c. Evolution of the transverses deformations as a function of the ligament
(d = 1 mm).

y
y

Ligament (mm)
(d= 1.4mm)
0.155
0.16
0.165
0.17
0.175
0.18
0.185
0 1 2 3 4 5
-0.175
-0.17
-0.165
-0.16
-0.155
-0.15
-0.145

x
x

Fig. 9d. Evolution of the transverses deformations as a function of the ligament
(d = 1.4 mm).
(V = 0.2 /s)
2
2.5
3
3.5
4
4.5
5
5.5
6
6.5
7
L
o
a
d

(
N
)
0.00E+00
5.00E-03
1.00E-02
1.50E-02
2.00E-02
2.50E-02
3.00E-02
3.50E-02
4.00E-02
4.50E-02
5.00E-02
D
i
s
p
l
a
c
e
m
e
n
t

(
m
m
)
Ligament (mm)
0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Fig. 10a. Loaddisplacement curve as a function of the ligament (V = 0.2/s).
(V = 0.6 /s)
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Ligament (mm)
L
o
a
d

(
N
)
0,00E+00
5,00E-02
1,00E-01
1,50E-01
2,00E-01
2,50E-01
3,00E-01
3,50E-01
4,00E-01
4,50E-01
5,00E-01
D
i
s
p
l
a
c
e
m
e
n
t

(
m
m
)
Fig. 10b. Loaddisplacement curve as a function of the ligament (V = 0.6/s).
(V = 1 /s)
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5
Ligament (mm)
L
o
a
d

(
N
)
0.00E+00
1.00E-01
2.00E-01
3.00E-01
4.00E-01
5.00E-01
6.00E-01
7.00E-01
8.00E-01
D
i
s
p
l
a
c
e
m
e
n
t

(
m
m
)
Fig. 10c. Loaddisplacement curve as a function of the ligament (V = 1/s).
(V = 1.4 /s)
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
0 1 2 3 4 5
Ligament (mm)
L
o
a
d

(
N
)
0,00E+00
1,00E-01
2,00E-01
3,00E-01
4,00E-01
5,00E-01
6,00E-01
7,00E-01
8,00E-01
9,00E-01
1,00E+00
D
i
s
p
l
a
c
e
m
e
n
t

(
m
m
)
Fig. 10d. Loaddisplacement curve as a function of the ligament (V = 1.4/s).
4198 H.M. Meddah et al. / Materials and Design 30 (2009) 41924199
In order to take into account the realistic behaviour in nite ele-
ment simulations, the set of material parameters was identied on
hardening and dilatational curves obtained by video-controlled
tensile tests. The extrusion stressstrain evolutions were numeri-
cally investigated.
The numerical shutter consisting then with exploration of the
potential of a behaviour law, based on one thermodynamic ap-
proach employee in our computer code.
For simplicity of calculation, this type of modeling gave an
promising results in simple situation, and it is one tool adapted
well with the study phenomena more complex like for example
the fracture in a polymer structure.
Our model fact of intervening parameters identiable on the
simple basis tests are in monotonous traction.
The unit our tests of analysis in term sizes total is accompanied
of a local sizes representation acceptable even in the case of strong
localizations. Thus, the mode product the dissymmetry stress
strain and allows to envisage the evolutions of the transverse
deformations during calculation thus that localizations of deforma-
tions in the presence of the notches. Taking into account of a plas-
ticity piezo-dependent is overall satisfactory.
References
[1] Kichenin J. Comportement thermomcanique du polythylne: application aux
structures gazires. Thse de Doctorat de lcole polytechnique; 1992.
[2] Paquin A, Berveiller M. Diffrentes voies pour la modlisation micromcanique
du comportement lastoviscoplastique des polymres semi-cristallins. Les
Cahiers de Rhologie GFR-Rhologie et structure 1996;15(1):238.
[3] Ouakka A, Dang Van K, Boytard K. Approche locale de la mcanique de la
rupture appliqu aux matriaux lasto-visco-plastique. 12me Congrs
franais de mcanique AUM 1995;1:3014.
[4] Ouakka A, Dang Van K, Gueugnaut D, Blouet P. An assessment of the defects
damages in polyethylene Gaz pipes. In: 10th Int. conf. on deformation, yield
and fracture of polymers. Cambridge: The Chameleon Press Ltd.; 1997. p. 557
60.
[5] Kinloch AJ, Young RJ. Fracture behaviour of polymers. London: Chapman and
Hall; 1995.
[6] Colak OU. Modeling deformation behavior of polymers with viscoplasticity
theory based on overstress. Int J Plasticity 2005;21:14560.
[7] Colak OU, Dusunceli N. Modeling viscoelastic and viscoplastic behavior of high
density polyethylene (HDPE). J Eng Mater Technol 2006;128:5728.
[8] Bahadur S. Strain hardening equation and the prediction of tensile strength of
rolled polymers. Polym Eng Sci 1973;13:26672.
[9] Eyring H. Viscosity, plasticity and diffusion as examples of absolute reaction
rates. J Chem Phys 1936;4:28391.
[10] GSell C, Jonas JJ. Yield and transient effects during the plastic deformation of
solid polymers. J Mater Sci 1981;16:195674.
[11] Dahoun A. Comportement plastique et textures de dformation des polymres
semi-cristallins en traction uniaxiale et en cisaillement simple. Thse, Institut
National Polytechnique de Lorraine, Nancy; 1992.
[12] Gsell C, Hiver J-M, Dahoun A. Int J Solid Struct 2002;39:3857.
[13] Bai SL, Wang M. Polymer 2003;44:6537.
[14] Zairi F, Aour B, Gloaguen JM, Nait-Abdelaziz M, Lefebvre JM. Comput Mater Sci
2006;38:202.
[15] Aour B, Zairi F, Gloaguen JM, Nait-Abdelaziz M, Rahmani O, Lefebvre JM. Int J
Mech Sci 2008;50:589.
[16] Zairi F, Aour B, Gloaguen JM, Nait-Abdelaziz M, Lefebvre JM. Scripta Mater
2007;56:105.
[17] Zairi F, Aour B, Gloaguen JM, Nait-Abdelaziz M, Lefebvre, JM. Polym Eng Sci
2008. doi:10.1002/pen.21042.
[18] Oden JT. Finite elements of non linear continua. McGraw Hill Company; 1972.
[19] Dhatt G, Touzot G. In: Maloine SA, editor. Une prsentation de la mthode des
lments nis, Deuxime edition. Universit de Compigne; 1984.
[20] Renon N. Simulation numerique par elements nis des grandes deformations
des sols. Application a la Scarication. These de Doctorat de lEcole des Mines
de Paris; 2002.
[21] Temimi-Maaref N. PhD thesis. Ecole des Mines de Paris, Paris; 2006.
[22] Zienwicz OC, Taylor RL. In: AFNOR, editor. La mthode des lments nis
formulation de base et problmes linaires; 1991.
[23] Germain P. Cours de mcanique des milieux continus. Paris: Masson; 1973.
[24] Lemaitre J, Chaboche J-L. Mech Solid Mater. New York: Cambridge Univ. Press;
1990.
[25] Tillier Y. PhD thesis. Ecole des Mines de Paris, Paris; 1998.
[26] GSell C, Jonas JJ. J Mater Sci 1979;14:583.
H.M. Meddah et al. / Materials and Design 30 (2009) 41924199 4199