Digital Repository, ECF15, Stockolm 2004

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Modelling of the mechanical behaviour and fracture processes of the PVDF
M. Challier, J. Besson, S. Cantournet, L. Laiarinandrasana, R. Piques, R. G. Hochstetter, S. Pignoc

Last modified: 2013-02-08

Abstract


Flexible oil pipelines are multilayered structures used for the transport of crude oil ornatural gas from the seabed to the surface in offshore oil fields. Because of severe serviceconditions, composite structure made of metallic and polymeric layers must be used.PVDF is a good candidate as it accommodates tensile and flexural deformations andguarantees watertightness. The present paper focuses on the mechanical properties ofPVDF at 20°C. Several specimens with different geometries were tested: notched specimenand cracked specimen under tension. Fracture surfaces were examined to determinefracture mechanisms. Based on mechanical testing and microscopic observations, amodified Gurson-Tvergaard-Needleman model for semi-crystalline polymers is proposed.The model allows to represent the non-linear behavior and the cracking of polymerstructures.

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