Characterisation of the cyclic dynamic load behaviour of injection molded integral foam structures

• Applicant: Professor Dr.-Ing. Hans-Peter Heim
• Subject Area: Plastics Engineering ; Mechanical Properties of Metallic Materials and their Microstructural Origins
• Term: from 2018 to 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 411667746

The aim of the project is to develop basic insights on the influence of morphology on the cyclic dynamic load behaviour of foam injection molded thermoplastics. Cyclic dynamic tensile and bending tests should be carried out on structural foams with process-related compact skin layers and integrally foamed core areas. By the help of new process technology (precision mold-opening), test specimens with different structural characteristics (foaming ratio, cell size, cell density, cell distance, thickness of the compact skin layer, etc.) should be produced specifically for this purpose. To quantify the deformation and failure behaviour, optical measurement technology (ARAMIS, GOM + mobile optical light microscopy) should also be used during the mechanical tests. The results should be correlated with the structure in order to gain fundamental insights into the relationship between deformation and fracture mechanisms and structural parameters.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants