Analysis of structural problems with the aid of scale models constructed in low–modulus thermoplastic materials such as Perspex, Vybak and Darvic is now well established. Measurements of strain and deflexion are complicated, however, by the structure creeping under load and by the effects of changes in ambient conditions of temperature and humidity. Experience shows that these difficulties can usually be overcome by the use of suitable testing techniques, but strain measurements using resistance strain gauges are sometimes regarded critically because these measurements are said to be influenced by the heating effect of the bridge current and the low thermal conductivity of thermoplastics. One aspect of this could be a softening of the model material with heat causing a variation in the value of Young's modulus. At the Naval Construction Research Establishment, Dunfermline, thermoplastic model testing has for many years been a feature of the work in support of structural and theoretical analyses and the information derived from this work shows that the criticisms are unjustifie
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