Deformation and fracture of square plates under repetitive impact loading

The deformation and fracture of impact loaded thin steel square plates is studied experimentally and numerically. Impacts with low velocities (10-15 m/s) are calculated and an inductive machine (IM) is used as an impact loading device in a developed experimental unit. Impact tests are made for different velocities which correspond to the cases of elastic and elasto-plastic deformation, as well as to punching through the plate. Repetitive impact loading and resulting low cycle punching are both investigated. Experimental data are processed and the coefficients of the dynamic periodic flow equation are determined. A numerical simulation of the impact deformation of plates is performed and the results are compared with the experimental data. The proposed numerical-experimental approach for fracture prediction in plates under repetitive impact loading is also discussed.