Processing-induced inhomogeneity of yield stress in polycarbonate product and its influence on the impact behavior

In this study, an integrated methodology for impact analysis of polycarbonate (PC) product is proposed which incorporates the processing-induced inhomogeneity of yield stress. A previously developed model is extended to predict the inhomogeneous yield stress distribution along the specimen by using the thermal history experienced during injection molding. A strain rate-dependent elastic-plastic model combining the processing-induced yield stress is applied to model the mechanical behavior of PC. Finite element simulation for notched Izod impact test is then conducted to analyze the impact behaviors of PC specimens with different thermal histories. Numerical results of the fracture energies are compared with experimental measurements.