Changes in the Mechanical Characteristics of Polyurethane Foam under Multi-Cycle Loading: Experimental Study

The paper examines the influence of loading modes on polyurethane foam elements on the change in mechanical properties of the material under load, resulting in plastic deformation of the material. Studies were carried out on polyurethane foam samples with different ratios of polyol and isocyanate in the foam-forming mixture. From the materials obtained, groups of samples were formed for which a comparison was made of their mechanical behaviour when compressed under the action of a load that causes plastic deformation of the material. To evaluate the change in characteristics, multiple cyclic loading was carried out in the zone of plastic deformation and the change in Young's modulus under the action of such loading was studied.