Loading rate dependence of failure strength as predictor for the long-term performance of thermoplastic polymeric products

An analytical methodology is presented that allows the prediction of long-term plasticity-controlled failure of statically loaded thermoplastic products. The only input required is the strength of the component obtained from short-term, load build-up experiments using various constant loading rates. The method is demonstrated by predicting the long-term performance based on short-term failure strength experiments of a number of materials for a simple geometry (uniaxial tensile bars), and a more complex geometry (internally pressurized pressure vessels).