The long-term response of polymers and polymer matrix composites to combined static and cyclic loads will be studied. The particular objectives of the project are to determine the response to cyclic creep, or vibrocreep, of a designated group of polymers and polymer composites; to determine the effects of microstructural processes; to develop consistent constitutive models to characterize cyclic and temperature dependent creep properties of polymers; and to validate accelerated experimental techniques in terms of their predictive capabilities for vibrocreep and the effect of damping. The study is a joint effort between the Montana State University and South Dakota School of Mines.
