Thermal Variations in Static Test on Plastics: a First Approach to the Fatigue Parameters Analysis

Following previous results showing that under the static loads it is also possible to detect the first plasticization of the specimens at the end of the thermoelastic phase, the authors conducted experimental trials to verify that this effect can be put in evidence in notched and unnotched PVC specimens. The goal was to define the real elastic phase also for material in which the elastic limit and the yield are not easily defined, differently from than that for steel. The results showed a variable thermal behaviour in the value of the thermoelastic limit and in the interval between this one and the yield in function of the distance from the notch. The limits so enhanced allow for following the paths of plasticization.