Finite element simulation of deformation behavior of semi-crystalline polymers with multi-spherulitic mesostructure

Elasto-viscoplastic deformation behavior of semi-crystalline polymer with multi-spherulitic mesostructure was investigated using large deformation finite element homogenization method. Multi-spherulitic mesostructure was modeled in representation volume element (RVE) by Voronoi polygons, and the deformation behavior during tension in different directions was numerically investigated. Mesoscopic stress strain relations were almost similar for different mesoscopic structures except for a quarter spherulite mesoscopic models, and its anisotropy decreased with increase in the number of spherulites in RVE. Although anisotropy in mesoscopic stress strain relation disappeared for enough number of spherulites, highly heterogeneous distribution of local strain and stress was observed in each spherulite. Distribution of lamellar orientation in the spherulite caused the heterogeneity and played an important role in the local deformation field.