Shear Punch Testing of UHMWPE

Testing using the shear punch apparatus of convenhonal and highly cross-linked UHMWPE strongly suggested the representative behaviors in shear 

Characteristic features observed on load-displacement curves obtained using the shear punch apparatus. An initial and hardening stiffness in addition to the peak load are the primary metrics used to perform analytical comparisons. Like the conventional small punch test, the shear punch test also may be interpreted qualitatively. (Adapted from Kurtz et al. 2002.) 

Load-displacement curves observed by testing virgin and crosslinked UHMWPE in shear punch apparatus. Curves are quite similar, suggesting that changes in shear resistance are unlikely to explain the increased resistance to wear exhibited by crosslinked UHMWPEs. Materials tested were virgin GUR 1050 and GUR 1050 irradiated to 75 kGy and annealed at tempreratures below the melt point. (Adapted from Kurtz et al. 2002.) 

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