A thermodynamically consistent model for viscoelastic polymers undergoing microstructural changes
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abstract
2019 Elsevier Ltd This study presents a thermodynamic framework for describing the mechanical response of viscoelastic polymers undergoing microstructural changes within the framework of a body possessing multiple natural configurations. In order to incorporate the effect of microstructural changes on the macroscopic response of polymers, we assume that the polymer under consideration consists of two networks. In its initial configuration, the polymer is comprised of an original microstructure (initial network) and as the polymer is deformed, a new network is formed. The newly formed network has a new reference configuration. When subjected to mechanical loading, the natural configuration of the polymer evolves between these initial and final configurations. We use the proposed constitutive model in order to describe the macroscopic response of a polyoxymethylene (POM) polymer under various loading histories. The predictions of the model developed are in good agreement with experimental data that is available.
