A computational determination of the Cowper–Symonds parameters from a single Taylor test

A novel technique for the dynamic characterization of metals from a single Taylor impact test is proposed. This computational characterization procedure is based on the formulation and solution of a first class inverse problem, in which the silhouette of the Taylor specimen’s final shape is expressed as a vector of its geometrical moments and used as input parameter. The inverse characterization problem is reduced to an optimization problem where the optimum material parameters for the Cowper–Symonds material model are determined. The optimization process is performed by a range adaptation real-coded genetic algorithm. Numerical example for the characterisation of 1018 steel is implemented and presented to validate the methodology presented in this paper. The effectiveness and simplicity of the proposed characterization procedure makes it an appropriate tool for the characterization of metals at high strain rates.