Optical Investigation of the Limits of Modeling the Nonlinear Elastic Behavior of PA6 Using Linear Elastic Material Models

One of the most critical issues during polymer finite element simulations is the selection of the proper material models. The widely used and accepted multilinear material models require load case-specific material tests, which are time and cost demanding. Data for these characteristics must be acquired by standardized measurements. On the other hand, the parameters required to create a linear elastic material model in most cases are easy to obtain, and the establishment of the model is a shorter process. This research is aimed to provide information to engineers about the possibility of modeling the nonlinear elastic materials by using linear elastic material models and about the limits of such models. To create the most accurate material models, laboratory measurements were performed on polyamide (PA6) material, which is a widely used raw material in the industry. Test specimens were manufactured to obtain material constants according to the ISO 527-2 standard, and for validating the effectiveness of the applied material models, three different tensile specimens were created, which were tested under quasi-static loading in the elastic region. A comprehensive finite element investigation was performed, and the numerical results were then compared to laboratory measurements using the GOM Aramis digital image correlation (DIC) system. By comparing the optically measured strain data to the numerical results, it was determined that the nonlinear elastic materials can be modeled using linear elastic models in a well identifiable strain range with sufficient accuracy.