High-strain-rate compressive behavior of a rigid polyurethane foam with various densities

The dynamic compressive stress-strain behavior of a rigid polyurethane foam with four values of density (78, 154, 299, and 445 kg/m³) has been determined in the strain-rate range of 1000–5000 s⁻¹. A pulse shaping technique was used with a split Hopkinson pressure bar to ensure homogeneous deformation in the foam specimens under dynamic compression. Dynamic stress equilibrium in the specimen was monitored during each experiment using piezoelectric force transducers mounted close to the specimen end-faces. Quasi-static experiments were also performed to demonstrate rate effects. Experimental results show that both the quasistatic and the dynamic stress-strain curves of the foam exhibit linear elasticity at small strains until a peak is reached. After the peak, the stress-strain curves have a plateau region followed by a densification region. The peak stress is strain-rate sensitive and depends on the square of the foam density.