Simulation on the mechanical behaviour of polyetheretherketone material under different loading conditions

Given the increasing demand for lightweight materials, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is gaining attention as a potential alternative to metals. To evaluate its mechanical suitability for engineering applications, it is necessary to predict the elastic, plastic, and fracture behaviour of PEEK under common loading conditions. The tensile, compressive, and three-point bending experiments were conducted on the PEEK specimens in this study. The yield and failure strains of PEEK were 2.27% and 4.69% in tension and 3.88% and 5.79% in compression. Based on the continuum damage mechanics, the back-calculation analyses were performed to predict the damage variable expression. Subsequently, a simulation model for PEEK under different loading conditions was developed. The back-calculation results identified optimal damage variable yield index (Dy) values of 0.295 for tension and 0.465 for compression. These findings validated the feasibility and applicability of the proposed model, providing a foundation for further investigations into the mechanical properties of PEEK material.