Scribd
Upload
2 views

MCL2

The experiment aims to analyze the mechanical behavior of a thermoplastic sample made of Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) using a Universal Testing Machine (UTM) to plot stress and strain curves. A stress relaxation test is conducted to observe how stress changes over time while maintaining constant strain, revealing the viscoelastic properties of the material. The results indicate that thermoplastics exhibit both elastic and viscous responses, with a gradual decrease in stress reflecting the material's relaxation behavior.

Uploaded by

ajit kmr
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
2 views

MCL2

The experiment aims to analyze the mechanical behavior of a thermoplastic sample made of Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) using a Universal Testing Machine (UTM) to plot stress and strain curves. A stress relaxation test is conducted to observe how stress changes over time while maintaining constant strain, revealing the viscoelastic properties of the material. The results indicate that thermoplastics exhibit both elastic and viscous responses, with a gradual decrease in stress reflecting the material's relaxation behavior.

Uploaded by

ajit kmr
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 4

Experiment No.

– 2
Stress – Relaxation Experiment on Thermoplastic
material

OBJECTIVE:
To determine the mechanical behaviour of a thermoplastic sample by plotting
stress and strain curve with the help of UTM (Universal Testing Machine).
THEORY:
The test is conducted on a dog-bone specimen made of Poly Lactic Acid (PLA).
A 3D printed sample is prepared by using fluid deposition moulding. A stress
relaxation test measures how the stress in a material change over time while the
strain is held constant. This experiment is particularly useful for understanding
the time-dependent behaviour of thermoplastics under deformation. The sample
will be subjected to tensile loading, and the corresponding stress and strain data
will be acquired during the test.
∈ = ∈𝑠 + ∈ 𝑑
𝑑 ∈ 𝑑 ∈𝑠 𝑑 ∈𝑑
= +
𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡
( 𝜎𝑠 = 𝜎𝑑 = 𝜎)
𝑑 ∈ 1 𝑑 𝜎𝑠 𝜎𝑑
= +
𝑑𝑡 𝐸 𝑑𝑡 𝜂
𝑑 ∈ 1 𝑑𝜎 𝜎
= +
𝑑𝑡 𝐸 𝑑𝑡 𝜂

• Since for input the strain is constant, then


𝑑∈
=0
𝑑𝑡
1 𝑑𝜎 𝜎
+ =0
𝐸 𝑑𝑡 𝜂
1 𝑑𝜎 𝜎
= −
𝐸 𝑑𝑡 𝜂
𝑑𝜎 𝐸
= − 𝑑𝑡
𝜎 𝜂
𝜎 𝑡
𝑑𝜎 𝐸
∫ = − ∫ 𝑑𝑡
𝜎0 𝜎 𝑡0 𝜂

𝜎 𝐸
ln = − (𝑡 − 𝑡0 )
𝜎0 𝜂

Since, 𝑡0 = 0
𝜎 𝐸
ln = − 𝑡
𝜎0 𝜂

𝜎 𝐸
− 𝑡
= 𝑒 𝜂
𝜎0
𝐸
− 𝑡
𝜎 = 𝜎0 𝑒 𝜂

APPARATUS:
1. Digital Universal Testing Machine (UTM)
2. Data Acquisition system
3. Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) Sample
4. Vernier Calliper Scale

Fig. Universal Testing Machine


PROCEDURE:
1. Measure dimensions of the sample by Vernier calliper scale.
2. Place the prepared sample between the fixtures of the UTM.
3. Ensure proper alignment of the sample with the fixtures.
4. Tensile load is applied to the sample with a load cell of 10kN.
5. A constant strain is provided (as an input) for the experiment by
elongating the sample for a given amount.
6. Record the stress at frequent time intervals (initially every second, then at
longer intervals).
7. Stop the test after sufficient time has passed and unload the specimen.
8. Plot the stress-time diagram with the help of data obtained.

OBSERVATION:
Least count of Vernier Calliper Scale = 0.02mm
Length of the Sample = 61.38 mm
Width of the Sample = 13.06 mm
Thickness of the Sample = 3.4 mm
Cross-Sectional area of the sample = 44.404 mm2

➢ Strain vs Time
Strain v/s Time
0.007

0.006

0.005
Strain

0.004

0.003

0.002

0.001

0
-2 0 2 4 6 8 10 12

Time (min)
➢ Stress vs Time

Stress v/s Time


3.5

3
Stress (MPa)

2.5

1.5

0.5

0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12

Time (min)

CONCLUSIONS:
1. Thermoplastics exhibit both elastic (instantaneous) and viscous (time-
dependent) responses.
2. The gradual decrease in stress shows the material’s viscoelastic
relaxation.
3. The rate of stress decrease gives insight into the relaxation time (τ) of the
thermoplastic.

PRECAUTIONS:
1. Wear appropriate safety gear, including safety glasses and gloves.
2. Fixtures must be properly lubricated to reduce the effect of friction.
3. Follow the manufacturer’s safety guidelines for handling and disposal of
chemicals.

You might also like