Very few polymer mechanics problems are solved with only pen and paper today, and virtually all academic research and industrial work relies heavily on finite element simulations and specialized computer software. Introducing and demonstrating the utility of computational tools and simulations, Mechanics of Solid Polymers provides a modern view of how solid polymers behave, how they can be experimentally characterized, and how to predict their behavior in different load environments. Reflecting the significant progress made in the understanding of polymer behaviour over the last two decades, this book will discuss recent developments and compare them to classical theories. The book shows how best to make use of commercially available finite element software to solve polymer mechanics problems, introducing readers to the current state of the art in predicting failure using a combination of experiment and computational techniques. Case studies and example Matlab code are also included. As industry and academia are increasingly reliant on advanced computational mechanics software to implement sophisticated constitutive models – and authoritative information is hard to find in one place - this book provides engineers with what they need to know to make best use of the technology available. - Helps professionals deploy the latest experimental polymer testing methods to assess suitability for applications - Discusses material models for different polymer types - Shows how to best make use of available finite element software to model polymer behaviour, and includes case studies and example code to help engineers and researchers apply it to their work

Provides a comprehensive introduction to the mechanical behaviour of solid polymers. Extensively revised and updated throughout, the second edition now includes new material on mechanical relaxations and anisotropy, composites modelling, non-linear viscoelasticity, yield behaviour and fracture of tough polymers. The accessible approach of the book has been retained with each chapter designed to be self contained and the theory and applications of the subject carefully introduced where appropriate. The latest developments in the field are included alongside worked examples, mathematical appendices and an extensive reference. Fully revised and updated throughout to include all the latest developments in the field Worked examples at the end of the chapter An invaluable resource for students of materials science, chemistry, physics or engineering studying polymer science

Providing an updated and comprehensive account of the properties of solid polymers, the book covers all aspects of mechanical behaviour. This includes finite elastic behavior, linear viscoelasticity and mechanical relaxations, mechanical anisotropy, non-linear viscoelasicity, yield behavior and fracture. New to this edition is coverage of polymer nanocomposites, and molecular interpretations of yield, e.g. Bowden, Young, and Argon. The book begins by focusing on the structure of polymers, including their chemical composition and physical structure. It goes on to discuss the mechanical properties and behaviour of polymers, the statistical molecular theories of the rubber-like state and describes aspects of linear viscoelastic behaviour, its measurement, and experimental studies. Later chapters cover composites and experimental behaviour, relaxation transitions, stress and yielding. The book concludes with a discussion of breaking phenomena.

Applied Mechanics of Polymers: Properties, Processing, and Behavior provides readers with an overview of the properties, mechanical behaviors and modeling techniques for accurately predicting the behaviors of polymeric materials. The book starts with an introduction to polymers, covering their history, chemistry, physics, and various types and applications. In addition, it covers the general properties of polymers and the common processing and manufacturing processes involved with them. Subsequent chapters delve into specific mechanical behaviors of polymers such as linear elasticity, hyperelasticity, creep, viscoelasticity, failure, and fracture. The book concludes with chapters discussing electroactive polymers, hydrogels, and the mechanical characterization of polymers. This is a useful reference text that will benefit graduate students, postdocs, researchers, and engineers in the mechanics of materials, polymer science, mechanical engineering and material science. Additional resources related to the book can be found at polymersmechanics.com. - Provides examples of real-world applications that demonstrate the use of models in designing polymer-based components - Includes access to a companion site from where readers can download FEA and MATLAB code, FEA simulation files, videos and other supplemental material - Features end-of-chapter summaries with design and analysis guidelines, practice problem sets based on real-life situations, and both analytical and computational examples to bridge academic and industrial applications

A physical, mechanism-based presentation of the plasticity and fracture of polymers, covering industrial scale applications through to nanoscale biofluidic devices.

A concise, self-contained introduction to solid polymers, the mechanics of their behavior and molecular and structural interpretations. This updated edition provides extended coverage of recent developments in rubber elasticity, relaxation transitions, non-linear viscoelastic behavior, anisotropic mechanical behavior, yield behavior of polymers, breaking phenomena, and other fields.

This book discusses polymers from a mechanical engineering perspective, treating stresses and deformations in polymeric structural components.