Experimental Investigation of Failure in Viscoelastic Elastomers Under Combined Shear and Pressure

An experimental approach, based on Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) apparatus, is developed to elucidate failure of viscoelastic elastomers under combined shear and high pressures such as are encountered in explosive and/or armor-impact scenarios. In this experimental arrangement, thin cylindrical polyurea specimens with an aspect ratio (Diameter to thickness) greater or equal to 15 are tested, up to failure, using Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB). Specimens with large aspect ratio are used to guarantee the close approximation of a triaxial state of stress in the specimen upon loading; hence the measured normal stress would be approximately equal to the hydrostatic pressure in the specimen. Friction at the loading interfaces forces the stress state to deviate from uniformity, restrict both the circumferential and radial displacements and lead to the development of shear stresses and strains. Hence, induced failure occurs under conditions combining high-strain-rate, high pressure and shear stresses. By using this setup, repeatable failure modes were detected and elucidated using finite element simulations.