The effect of loading frequency on the cyclic mechanical behavior of polyethylene

Abstract

An experimental investigation into ratcheting strain and stress-strain hysteresis loop in stress-controlled cyclic tensile tests at room temperature was performed to determine the effect of loading frequency on the cyclic mechanical behavior of highdensity polyethylene (HDPE). It was found that frequencies ranging from 0.01 Hz up to 1 Hz mostly affects the accumulated strain over related time scales (i.e that of the cycle itself) and not over long time scale (i.e. during the full test). In addition, the higher the frequency is, the more closed and vertical the loops are. Furthermore, the frequency affects only on the kinetics of stabilization of ratcheting strain but not on one of hysteresis loop.