Applicability of the time–temperature superposition principle in modeling dynamic response of a polyurea

This paper addresses the applicability of the Time–Temperature Superposition Principle in the dynamic response of a polyurea polymer at high strain rates and different temperatures. Careful and extensive measurements in the time domain of the relaxation behavior and subsequent deduction of a master-relaxation curve establish the mechanical behavior for quasistatic deformations over a time range of 16 decades. To examine its validity in a highly dynamic environment, experiments with the aid of a split Hopkinson (Kolsky) pressure bar are carried out. The use of a two-material pulse shaper allows for stress equilibrium across the specimen during the compression process, to concentrate on the initial, small deformation part that characterizes linearly viscoelastic behavior. This behavior of polyurea at high strain rates and different temperatures is then investigated by comparing results from a physically fully three-dimensional (axisymmetric) numerical model, employing the quasistatically obtained properties, with corresponding Hopkinson bar measurements. The experimentally determined wave history entering the specimen is used as input to the model. Experimental and simulation results are compared with each other to demonstrate that the Time–Temperature Superposition Principle can indeed provide the requisite data for high strain rate loading of viscoelastic solids, at least to the extent that linear viscoelasticity applies with respect to the polyurea material.