Measurement of low velocity and quasi‐static failure modes in PMMA

Abstract An investigation of the low velocity impact and quasi‐static failure of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) based on global and local strain measurements was conducted. Local strains were obtained from surface‐mounted fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors, and they were combined with global measurements from quasi‐static indentation and low‐velocity impact experiments to obtain detailed maps of how failure evolves. For both loading regimes, the interactions between the host PMMA specimens and the sensors played a crucial role in the evolution of residual strains. A mapping of the strains clearly shows that strains decrease radially, from high values near the point of impact to far‐field values. Sensors located in critical locations had the highest residual strains prior to PMMA fracture. Furthermore, it was determined that strain transfer to the sensor is strongly influenced by the bonding conditions at the specimen's surface. Because of the debonding of the sensor and the frictional effects associated with the bonding agent, compressive residual strains occurred on the rear‐surface. Hence, a detailed understanding of how strain evolves due to sensor–host interactions and catastrophic fracture can be obtained, which can potentially be used to mitigate damage in PMMA for a range of strain rates. POLYM. COMPOS., 28:381–391, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers