Compression Tests of Polycarbonate under Quasi-Static and Dynamic Loading

Strain rate response of polycarbonate was investigated under uniaxial compression at different rates of strain ranging from 0.0001/sec to about 8200/sec and different temperature ranging from 145k to about 423k. A split Hopkinson pressure bar was used to determine the dynamic compressive responses. A pulse-shaping technique was employed in dynamic compression experiment to ensure that valid experimental conditions were satisfied. Results show that, compared with quasi-static behavior, dynamic compression results in significantly higher compressive strengths for polycarbonate materials.