Thermal–Mechanical Coupling Behavior of Directional Polymethylmethacrylate under Tension and Compression

In this work, the quasi-static and dynamic mechanical behavior of directional polymethylmethacrylate is investigated under conditions of uniaxial compression and tension. The main purpose of this investigation is to discuss the effect of strain rate and temperature on the deformation characteristics and failure of such material. Research was carried out with the use of an electric universal testing machine and split Hopkinson bars, which were equipped with high- and low-temperature control systems. The experimental methods for studying the tensile and compressive response of polymer materials under different testing conditions were validated by one-dimensional stress wave theory and digital-image correlation technique. The finite deformation stress–strain behaviors of the samples under different loading condition were obtained with a constant temperature ranging from 218 to 373 K. The experimental results showed that the uniaxial tensile and compressive behaviors of directional polymethylmethacrylate under finite deformation are strongly dependent on temperature, decreased tensile and compressive stress of the material under different strain levels, and increased temperature. Meanwhile, the dynamic tensile and compressive stresses of the material are much higher than the quasi-static stresses, showing the strain-rate strengthening effect. Moreover, the tensile and compressive mechanical behavior of directional polymethylmethacrylate has significant asymmetry. Finally, a visco-hyperelastic model is established to predict the rate-dependence mechanical behavior of directional polymethylmethacrylate at different temperatures.