A Rate-Dependent Interpretation of the Taylor Impact Test

Abstract

A new one-dimensional theory for estimating the dynamic yield strength of materials, based on post-test measurements of Taylor impact specimens, has been developed by the authors. This theory offers the advantage of mathematical simplicity, while requiring only measurements of final specimen length, final undeformed length, and impact velocity as experimental data inputs. It is observed that the theory can accommodate a variety of material constitutive relations while preserving its basic simplicity. In particular, the dynamic material strength on impact, Y , can be directly correlated with impact velocity V through the relation Y = − Y 0 − BV 2 . Here Y 0 is the static yield strength and B is a material constant. This relation provides a rate-dependent constitutive law that is potentially useful in situations such as rod penetration, for example.