Experimental Testing and Finite Element Modeling of Solid Polymers - April 2013

• Do you perform FEA of polymer components but don't know the tradeoffs, pitfalls, and benefits of different constitutive models, modeling options, and material test methods?
• Do you want to get a competitive advantage by using more advanced and accurate experimental and FEA techniques?

GOALS
This is an in-person, hands-on, class that combines: experimental testing of elastomers and thermoplastics, selection and calibration of a suitable material model, and incorporation of the calibrated material model into different FE programs. The experiments will be performed in the same lab as the class.

This two-day course covers a review of polymer mechanics theory, techniques and tools for experimentally characterizing polymers, and hands-on training on how to perform accurate finite element simulations of polymer components. The training class is targeted to people with an interest in experimental testing, and analyzing the mechanical performance of parts made from plastics, rubbers, thermosets, or other types of polymers.

By the end of the class you will be able to:

• Design a relevant experimental test program for a new polymer material. Know what experimental tests are necessary and sufficient for material model calibration.
• Know the strengths and weaknesses of various material models, and be able to select an appropriate material model for finite element simulations.
• Use experimental data to calibrate the selected material model.

PREREQUISITES
The training class is indented for people with some experience either performing experiments or running a finite element program. The examples presented in class will use the finite element programs Abaqus and ANSYS. The material models presented in the class are available for almost all commercial FE codes.

COURSE OUTLINE

• Review of polymer mechanics
• Modern mechanical testing of polymers. Overview of different experimental testing techniques for different polymer classes.
• Elasticity/hyperelasticity: review of hyperelastic models
• Review of viscoelasticity theory: strength and limitations of linear viscoelasticity
• Review of metal plasticity theory: strengths and limitations of metal plasticity models
• User-material models in Abaqus and ANSYS, including advanced viscoplastic constitutive models incorporating rate and temperature dependence
• Advanced finite element simulations of different classes of polymers
• Material parameter extraction techniques using MCalibration and the PolyUMod library of user material models

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR
Dr. Bergstrom is a Principal Engineer at Veryst Engineering, LLC, and consults primarily in the modeling, testing, and failure analysis of mechanical behavior of polymer materials.

Dr. Bergstrom received his Ph.D. from M.I.T. in the area of computational polymer mechanics, and has lectured in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at M.I.T. Dr. Bergstrom is the creator of the website: PolymerFEM.com.

COURSE MATERIALS
Everyone who registers for the class will receive a free 6-month license to the MCalibration software, and a 1-month license to the PolyUMod Library of user-material models. A license to Abaqus or ANSYS is not provided. Training class notes will be provided in pdf-format. Notes are for personal use and may be printed, but cannot be modified, shared, or redistributed.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION
To register for the the class, please fill out the following registration form.

The fee for the two-day class is: $1600.

Please register at least two weeks before the start of the class. Registrations the last week before the class are subject to a 10% surcharge.

CANCELLATION POLICY
Veryst reserves the right to reject registrations and to cancel a training class based on class size. A full refund will be made if a class is canceled. If a participant cancels a registration more than 5 days before the class then a 80% refund will be given. There is no refund for cancellations during the last 5 days before the class.