Behavior of high-density polyethylene at high strain rates

The Hopkinson split pressure bar (HSPB) was used for the testing of three polymers at strain rates between 102 to 103 s-1. Higher strain rates were achieved using the direct Hopkinson test. Experimental data were evaluated in time as well as in the frequency domain. A more detailed analysis in the frequency domain showed that the description of tested polymers can be described in the framework of the linear viscoelasticity. The use of the direct Hopkinson test showed the occurrence of a permanent strain.