Modeling and simulation of the large deformation behavior for thermoplastic olefin

The deformation behavior of a thermoplastic olefin (TPO) during tensile loading has been studied by a finite element method (FEM). Dumbbell shaped specimens of the TPO were tested under various strain rates and temperatures. The test results were used to characterize the mechanical properties of this material. To capture the nonlinear rate-dependent response of the TPO, a physically based constitutive model [M.C. Boyce, D.M. Parks, A.S. Argon, 1988] for large strain deformation was used. The model includes rate and temperature dependent yield, strain softening, and strain hardening. The constitutive model was incorporated into a finite element code and was validated by comparison of predicted with measured results. A good correlation was found between the theoretical model results and the experimental data. Finite element analysis was also used to study neck propagation during tensile tests. Using the implemented constitutive model, necking was simulated and compared to experimental observations.