Molecular- and Domain-level Microstructure-dependent Material Model for Nano-segregated Polyurea
Abstract
Purpose Polyurea is an elastomeric two-phase co-polymer consisting of nanometer-sized discrete hard (i.e. high glass transition temperature) domains distributed randomly within a soft (i.e. low glass transition temperature) matrix. A number of experimental investigations reported in the open literature clearly demonstrated that the use of polyurea external coatings and/or internal linings can significantly increase blast survivability and ballistic penetration resistance of target structures, such as vehicles, buildings and field/laboratory test-plates. When designing blast/ballistic-threat survivable polyurea-coated structures, advanced computational methods and tools are being increasingly utilized. A critical aspect of this computational approach is the availability of physically based, high-fidelity polyurea material models. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach In the present work, an attempt is made to develop a material model for polyurea which will include the effects of soft-matrix chain-segment molecular weight and the extent and morphology of hard-domain nano-segregation. Since these aspects of polyurea microstructure can be controlled through the selection of polyurea chemistry and synthesis conditions, and the present material model enables the prediction of polyurea blast-mitigation capacity and ballistic resistance, the model offers the potential for the material-by-design approach. Findings The model is validated by comparing its predictions with the corresponding experimental data. Originality/value The work clearly demonstrated that, in order to maximize shock-mitigation effects offered by polyurea, chemistry and processing/synthesis route of this material should be optimized.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 15, 2013
- Accession Number
- AD1000016
Entities
People
- J. S. Snipes
- James Runt
- James Tarter
- Mica Grujicic
- Rohan Galgalikar
- S. Ramaswami
Organizations
- Clemson University