Spall strength of polycarbonate measured by laser driven micro-flyer plate impact

Polymers often display mechanical properties that are vastly different, and frequently more complex, than metals but have historically received much less attention and study. There remain substantial gaps in our knowledge of polymer mechanics in extreme environments, including void nucleation and growth at high rates. This gap necessitates further investigation of polymer deformation and failure mechanisms under conditions of shock and impact. Here, we present results for the spall strength of a model amorphous thermoplastic, polycarbonate, as measured by laser driven micro-flyers (LDMF) and photonic doppler velocimetry (PDV). The results presented here will aid our understanding of void growth in polycarbonate and serve as a baseline for future efforts in theory and modeling.