Effect of multiaxial stress state on morphology and spatial distribution of voids in deformed semicrystalline polymer assessed by x-ray tomography

Abstract : Cavitation in the semicrystalline polymer polyamide 6 has been studied in terms of 3D void morphology and distribution in the notched region of axisymmetric specimens using synchrotron radiation tomography at submicrometer resolution. Ex-situ (interrupted and unloaded) tests at different stages of straining reveal damage initiation in form of penny-shaped crazes at maximum load. An in-situ (under load) test confirms the damage morphology at maximum load. When a neck appears and extends within the notch, the penny-shaped crazes extend in height, resulting in a volume change. Final failure is seen to occur from the specimen interior via coalescence of several voids resulting in large cavities. The multiaxial stress state generated by the axisymmetric notch causes crazes/cracks that are larger in diameter than those occurring during necking of an initially smooth specimen. The distribution void volume fraction as a function of the radius is measured via image analysis, showing a damage maximum at the specimen center that decreases toward the specimen border. This distribution was found to be consistent with that of the stress triaxiality ratio.