A theoretical and experimental study of projectile impact on clamped circular plates

Abstract

A method for the analysis of the plastic deformation of a circular plate subject to projectile impact is presented based on the assumption that the material is rigid viscoplastic, obeying a von Mises yield condition and associated flow rule. The predictions of the analysis are com­pared with the results of experiments in which projectiles of different masses are fired at various velocities at clamped plates of mild steel. The plates used in the experiments are such that substantial plastic strains can develop, while the maximum displacements are of the same order as the thickness. The analytical method presented predicts the behaviour of the plates to within the accuracy of the tests. The material constants which fit the results are in accord with those obtained from different tests.