Lifetime prediction for variable loading conditions for Dyneema®

In the last few decades, the interest in polymers took another dimension, once the draw-ability of the polymers was discovered by DSM. The incredibly high orientation of the polymer chains led to ultra-strong polymeric fibres used in ballistics, offshore, lift and hoisting applications. Dyneema, one of the most known UHWMPE fibres, is also widely used in mooring applications due to its excellent strength-weight ratio, corrosion and UV resistance and damping properties. The drawback of UHMWPE’s is their strong stress and temperature dependency on mechanical properties and for long-term applications, the occurrence of creep which leads to certain plasticity-controlled failure. As for polymers the question is rather whenthe material will fail instead ofif the material will fail, the ability of predicting the lifetime based on applied loading conditions is of significant importance.