The influence of coupled diffusion of heat and moisture on the state of stress in a plate

The fundamental results of previous reports on the coupling of the processes of diffusion of heat and moisture in solids are reviewed. The influence of the coupling on diffusion into an infinite plate from both its surfaces is discussed with the aim of clarifying what can and cannot be learned from such experiments. The nonuniformity of temperature and moisture content tends to cause nonuniform deformation. The stresses set up are computed for a homogeneous, isotropic plate. These self-equilibrating stresses first increase with time and then die out. For some combinations of material constants, the stresses undergo a reversal. For example, in some cases the surface stresses initially become compressive as moisture begins diffusing into the plate. Subsequently, as the interior of the plate increases in temperature due to the coupling effect, the surface stresses become tensile before eventually subsiding to zeroPublished in Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, No. 1, pp. 53–61, January–February, 1980.     

Experimental determination of the concentration of stresses and strains around a circular hole in a glass-reinforced plastic specimen

The results of experimental studies on the concentration of stresses and strains at a circular hole in a glass-reinforced plastic specimen, involving the use of the photoelastic coating method, are given. The effects of the anisotropy of the material, of ratio of the hole diameter to the width of the model, and of the load level on the magnitude of the stress and strain concentration factor are indicated.Translated from Mekhanika Polimerov, No. 1, pp. 159–163, January–February, 1972.     

The first and second fundamental boundary-value problems of elasticity theory for a transversally isotropic paraboloid of revolution

We give an exact solution of the interior and exterior problems of elasticity theory for a transversally isotropic paraboloid of revolution in the case when the stresses prescribed on its surface or the displacements along one variable can be represented by a Hankel integral and those along the other variable can be expanded in a trigonometric series. It is assumed that the roots of the characteristic equation are of multiplicity greater than one.Translated fromVychislitel'naya i Prikladnaya Matematika, Issue 71, 1990, pp. 60–70.     

Molecular destruction of polymers at the apex of a major crack

We employed infrared spectroscopy and infrared spectroscopy of deflected total internal reflection to study the rupture of polymer macromolecular chains (polyethylene and polypropylene) at the apex of a growing crack. It was shown that the break concentration at the crack surface is of the same order of magnitude as the total concentration of chemical bonds in the polymer; molecular rupture occurs not only at the apex itself but also at some distance from it. The dependence of the break concentration on the distance from the crack apex was measured. The observed patterns were related to the experimentally determined external-load distribution function for individual chemical bonds near the crack apex.I. F. Ioffe Physicotechnical Institute, Academy of Sciences of the USSR, Leningrad. Translated from Mekhanika Polimerov, No. 4, pp. 621–625, July–August, 1972.     

Kinetics of crack growth in polymethylmethacrylate in various static tension regimes

It has been established that at medium stresses and temperatures crack development in PMMA takes place in three stages: in the first stage the crack grows with progressive deceleration; in the second stage, which determines the life of the specimen, there is almost no development; and only in the final stage does the rate of growth of the crack rapidly increase. Damage accumulation in the interior of the polymer remote from the main crack is shown to play an important part. Experimental stress and temperature dependences have been obtained for the starting velocity and the incubation period of crack development together with a universal relation between these characteristics. The processes determining the crack growth kinetics in the various phases of long-term static tension are given a physical basis.All-Union Correspondence Structural Engineering Institute. Translated from Mekhanika Polimerov, No. 5, pp. 904–911, September–October, 1971.     

Certain properties of the surface layer of AG-4V glass-reinforced plastic

It is shown that after a glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) has been molded the properties of the surface layer differ sharply from those of the interior layers of material. The surface layer is stronger and less moisture-absorbent. The properties of the surface layer and its thickness are determined by the parameters of the molding process. The surface layer of the GRP AG-4V is thickest, hardest and least moisture-absorbent after molding at 130° C and 200 kg/cm². In this case the microstructure is characterized by a highly uniform fiber distribution without signs of splitting or other damage.Mekhanika Polimerov, Vol. 1, No. 5, pp. 118–122, 1965     

Effect of the sign of the shear stresses on the shear strength of reinforced plastics

The effect of the sign of the shear stresses on the shear strength has been investigated for a glass-reinforced plastic of the SVAM type with various ratios of the longitudinal and transverse reinforcement in shear in the plane of reinforcement in axes turned through 45° relative to the direction of reinforcement. More than 80 tubularspecimens were tested. The shear strengths T ₄₅ ⁺ and T ₄₅ ^– corresponding to shear stresses of different signs can be found from uniaxial tests in tension and compression in the direction of the reinforcement.Institute of Polymer Mechanics, Academy of Sciences of the Latvian SSR, Riga. Translated from Mekhanika Polimerov, No. 2, pp. 262–268, March–April, 1971.     

Theory of the biomechanism of fractures of the diaphysis of long tubular bones

A new theoretical basis is proposed for the biomechanism of fractures of the diaphysis of long tubular bones resulting from bending deformation. Bone damage is shown to result from the concentration of maximum tensile stresses on the tension side and shear stresses in the compression zone. The origin of fan-shaped cracks and oblique fractures, occurring individually or in combination, is explained in these terms.Altai State Medical Institute. Translated from Mekhanika Polimerov, No. 2, pp. 318–322, March–April, 1971.     

Effect of fillers on the viscosity and viscoelasticity of low-density polyethylene melts. Communication 1

An investigation of low-density polyethylenes filled with up to 30% by volume dispersed particles, has shown that for both the matrix and the composites the apparent viscous flow activation energy does not depend on the shear stresses and increases starting from a certain filler concentration at which the conformation range in the matrix is depleted. The dependence of the relative viscosity of the compositions on the volume filler content is satisfactorily described by an equation that contains the reduced filler concentration, defined as the ratio of the nominal filler concentration to the limiting concentration at which the adsorption layers on the particles extend throughout the matrix. The thickness of the polymer layer adsorbed on the particles must be determined from the specific exterior particle surface, with allowance for the volume of the polymer in the sorption space of the porous filler.Institute of Polymer Mechanics, Academy of Sciences of the Latvian SSR, Riga. Translated from Mekhanika Polimerov, No. 3, pp. 478–486, May–June, 1976.     

On the Coordinate of a Singular Point of the Time Correlation Function for a Spin System on a Simple Hypercubic Lattice at High Temperatures

Using the d ^–1 expansion method (d is the space dimension), we estimate the coordinate of the time-dependent autocorrelation function singular point on the imaginary time axis for the spin 1/2 Heisenberg model on a simple hypercubic lattice at high temperatures. We represent the coefficients of the time expansion (the spectral moments) for the autocorrelation function as the sums of the weighted lattice figures in which the trees constructed from the double bonds give the leading contributions with respect to d ^–1 and the same trees with the built-in squares from six bonds or diagrams with the fourfold bonds give the contribution of the next-to-leading order. We find the corrections to the coordinate of the autocorrelation function singular point that are due to the latter contributions.     

The effect of interphase on residual thermal stresses. 2. Unidirectional fiber composite materials

In real composite materials an additional phase may exist between the fiber and the matrix. This phase, commonly known as the interphase, is a local region that results from the matrix bonds with the fiber surface or the fiber sizing. The differing thermal expansions or contractions of the fiber and matrix cause thermally induced stresses in composite materials. In the present study, a four-cylinder model is proposed for the determination of residual thermal stresses in unidirectional composite materials. The elastic modulus of the interphase is a function of the interphase radius and thickness. The governing equations in terms of displacements are solved in the form of expansion into a series [1]. The effective elastic characteristics are obtained using the finite element approach. The effect of the interphase thickness and different distributions of the interphase Young's modulus on the thermal residual stress field in unidirectional composite materials is investigated.For Pt. 1, see [1].Published in Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 33, No. 2, pp. 200–214, March–April, 1997.     

Normal stresses during periodic shear deformation

It is shown that the disagreement between the theory and the experimental values of the variable component of the normal stresses during periodic shear is due to lack of consideration of the stiffness of the specimen and its ratio to the stiffness of the measuring device in the direction of action of the normal force (in particular, in measurements made where the instrument is of the cone-plane type). Measurements on fused low-density extrusion polyethylene (LDEP) reveal that if these parameters of the instrument and specimen are taken into account, the theory agrees satisfactorily with experiment. Details of the measurement devices are given.Presented at the Seventh Symposium on the Rheology of Polymers, April 10–14, 1972.Institute of Mechanics of Polymers, Academy of Sciences of the Latvian SSR, Riga. Translated from Mekhanika Polimerov, No. 2, pp. 321–328, March–April, 1974.     

Temperature reversal of the reinforcing effect of fillers

A previous investigation [4] of the tear strength of filled systems based on SKS-85 butadiene-styrene copolymer over a broad temperature interval revealed a reversal of the reinforcing effect of fillers with a coefficient of thermal expansion different from that of the filled polymer. At Tg the strength of mixtures containing polymer fillers [Kapron (polycaprolactam) and cellophane powder] exceeds that of mixtures containing chalk and carbon black. The temperature reversal effect is attributed to the severe weakening of the adhesion of the polymer to the surface of the filler particles as a result of the concentration of shrinkage stresses in the polymer-filler contact zone. The presence of shrinkage stresses around the filler particles at Tg is qualitatively demonstrated on model systems using a photoelastic technique. Moreover, it is shown that the unbalance, and hence the residual stresses, in filled systems at temperatures below the glass transition temperature of the filled polymer is determined by the difference in the coefficients of thermal expansion.Moscow Technological Institute of the Meat and Dairy Industry. Translated from Mekhanika Polimerov, No. 4, pp. 579–583, July–August, 1969.     

Temperature stresses in a long hollow viscoelastic cylinder with variable inner boundary

As distinct from existing solutions for the state of stress and strain, in addition to the stresses created by internal pressure acting on the moving inner surface, the thermal stresses created by a temperature field are also taken into account. A solution is obtained using tabulated singular kernels of the hereditary theory of viscoelasticity.Moscow Lomonosov State University. Translated from Mekhanika Polimerov, Vol. 5, No. 2, pp. 219–226, March–April, 1969.     

Deformation and strength of laminated quasiisotropic carbon-reinforced plastics

Conclusions The stress-strain state and strength of the quasiisotropic carbon-reinforced plastics depend strongly on the lay-up system of the adjacent plies because the magnitude of the interply stresses and their distribution greatly change when the reinforcement system is changed. The highest stress intensity is recorded at the free edge of the specimen. The magnitude of the residual thermal stresses is comparable with that of the mechanical stresses at the instant of formation of cracks in the weak plies of the composite. The first microcracks form inside the plies with the orientation 90 and ±45° in the direction of reinforcement. The IACs start to form at the free edges of the specimen and propagate into the material at strains from 12 to 39% of limiting strain _x ^l . Delamination of the laminated composite starts later than the formation of IACs (40–88% of _x ^l ) because the normal stress _x is higher than _z. The optimum lay-up system of the composite is [0/45/90/-45]_s because this system ensures higher stiffness of the material. The ±45 and 90° plies are not suitable for external surfaces of the composite since they start to crack very early. The quasiisotropic composites are less sensitive to the value of G_{2 3} than the composites with the ply lay-up [±]_s.Translated from Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, No. 3, pp. 449–454, May–June, 1985.     

Elasticity of the intercrystallite zones and the mechanical properties of oriented polymers

As a result of a study of the behavior under load of the elements of the supermolecular structure of oriented amorphous-crystalline polymers it is shown that the stresses on the crystallites and the amorphous zones in series with them in the direction of the chain axes are equal to the mean stress applied to the specimen along the orientation axis. The nature of the elasticity and deformability of the amorphous zones is analyzed. A relation is obtained between the strength properties of oriented polymers and the number of load-carrying chains in the amorphous zones.Ioffe Physico-Technical Institute, Academy of Sciences of the USSR, Leningrad. Translated from Mekhanika Polimerov, No. 6, pp. 1002–1007, November–December, 1969.     

Rheological characteristics of melts of low-molecular-weight branched polyethylene in the region of critical molecular weights

The viscosity and the first difference of the normal stresses have been measured at stationary shear rates from 5.68 to 4500 sec^–1 for melts of low-density polyethylenes obtained by thermal degradation of commercial polyethylene in a nitrogen atmosphere. In addition, the complex modulus has been measured on the angular frequency range from 0.396 to 198.5 sec^–1. Three regions of molecular weights differing with respect to the value of the exponent in the relation ₀ = kM have been established. At > normal stresses are observed in the region of shear rates corresponding to a linear dependence of the shear rate on the shear stresses.Institute of Polymer Mechanics, Academy of Sciences of the Latvian SSR, Riga; Plastpolymer Research and Production Association, Leningrad. Translated from Mekhanika Polimerov, No. 6, pp. 963–967, November–December, 1973.     

Micromechanics of polymer fracture

Small-angle x-ray scattering has been used to investigate the formation of embryonic submicroscopic cracks in polymers under a load. The main characteristics of crack formation in various loading regimes are analyzed. It is shown that there is a relation between the submicrocrack concentration and the deformation of the loaded polymer. The principal parameters of crack formation determining the strength properties of the polymer are found to be the transverse dimension of the initial submicrocracks relative to the loading axis, which is determined by the structural heterogeneity of the material, and the submicrocrack concentration in the prefracture state. The principles of the micromechanics of polymer fracture are formulated on the basis of the results of an analysis of the quantitative relationship between these parameters. The dominant role of the surface in the fracture process is demonstrated by comparing the parameters of crack formation in the interior and at the surface of the loaded polymer.A. F. Ioffe Physicotechnical Institute, Academy of Sciences of the USSR, Leningrad. Translated from Mekhanika Polimerov, No. 5, pp. 792–801, September–October, 1974.     

Study of the role of intermolecular interactions (hydrogen bonds) in the initial stage of orientation of polyvinyl alcohol and vinyl alcohol copolymers

The effect of hydrogen bond rupture on the process of destruction of the starting crystallite structure of polyvinyl alcohol and copolymers of vinyl alcohol and N-vinylpyrrolidone and -vinylcaprolactam has been investigated. The differential spectrum method is used to establish the frequency (3200 cm^–1) of the band corresponding to the vibrations of the bound hydroxyl groups; the temperature dependence of the optical density of the 3200 cm^–1 band has been recorded. The strength of the starting structure is calculated from the stress-strain diagram and its temperature dependence is plotted. It is concluded that the strength of the starting structure is chiefly determined by the presence of hydrogen bonds between the polymer macromolecules.Leningrad Kirov Institute of Textile and Light Industry. Translated from Mekhanika Polimerov, No. 2, pp. 327–329, March–April, 1971.     

Comparison of the long-term strengths of polymers under uniaxial alternating and pulsating loads

The laws of fracture of PMMA and PS under uniaxial alternating and pulsating cyclic loading have been investigated at several loading frequencies and two test temperatures. An analysis of the dependence of the long-term strength on stress, heating kinetics and the form of the specimen fracture surface has shown that transition from cyclic tension to more complex alternating loading in the tension-compression regime does not change the basic nature of the cyclic fatigue effect and is reflected only in an increase in the local stress concentration and heating.A. F. Ioffe Physicotechnical Institute, Academy of Sciences of the USSR, Leningrad. Translated from Mekhanika Polimerov, No. 3, pp. 483–488, May–June, 1972.