Effects of Strain Rate and Gauge Length on the Failure of Ultra-High Strength Polyethylene Fibers

Ultra-high strength polyethylene filaments taken from a single spool of yarn were examined for strain rate and gauge length effects. As noted in previous research, high strength polyethylene exhibits pronounced strain rate effects that may be seen in strength changes, stress-strain behavior, and and topography of the fracture zones. Unlike most polymeric fibers, ultra-high strength polyethylene seems to exhibit no gauge length effects over the range from 10 to 200 mm, holding the strain rate constant. This latter effect, if true in general, would be a substantial advantage for polyethylene fibers, because scaling effects would be minimized.