Visco-Elasto-Plastic Characterization of PVC Foams

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) foams are widely used in crashworthiness and energy absorption applications due to their low density combined to the capability of crushing up to large deformations with limited loads; the latter property is due to the particular constitutive behavior of such foams. Indeed, the stress–strain curve is characterized, after an initial yield or peak stress, by a relevant plateau region, followed by a steep increase due to foam densification. Furthermore, the mechanical response of PVC foam is strongly influenced by the rate of load or strain application.