Output details

A non-destructive method for the measurement of residual strains in semi-crystalline polymer components

There are few experimental tools for the measurement of internal strain in polymers, particularly non-destructive ones. This paper is the first attempt to measure residual strain in polymers using high-energy X-rays. The paper shows how measurements are made and applies the technique to high pressure pipeline. The technique will be particularly important in polymeric composites, for example in the aerospace sector where validation of predicted residual stresses is a current barrier to their uptake. Within the HVM Catapult, the method has been applied in the context of the development of composite joining solutions for automotive applications with Jaguar-Land-Rover (rdarling@jaguarlandrover.com).