Modelling of biaxial ratcheting behaviour of ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene with viscoplasticity theory based on overstress for polymers

Abstract

Biaxial ratcheting behaviour of ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) has been modelled using the viscoplasticity theory based on overstress for polymers (VBOP) with the modified Chaboche kinematic hardening rule. Investigated loading condition is: axial strain-controlled cyclic loading of thin-walled tubular specimen in the presence of constant pressure. To improve the circumferential strain ratcheting response of UHMWPE, changes designed to account for kinematic hardening and tangent modulus effects are proposed. Numerical results are compared with previously obtained experimental data. It is shown that modified tangent modulus improves the model responses. The biaxial ratcheting behaviour of UHMWPE is modelled quantitatively with VBOP. (c) 2015 Society of Chemical Industry