QUASI-STATIC AND DYNAMIC LOCAL LOADING OF MONOLITHIC SIMPLY-SUPPORTEDSTEEL PLATE

The results of a series of experimental tests on the local loading of circular plates resting on a ring support are presented. Both quasi-st atic and impact loading tests were performed using hemispherically-tip ped and flat-ended cylindrical indenters. The contrasts between the qu asi-static and dynamic responses are examined as are the differences p roduced by the different indenters. The effects of local indentation o n the overall quasi-static response of the plate are investigated, and the errors that arise from neglecting these effects when applying rig id, perfectly-plastic plate theory to the problem are highlighted. The maximum energy absorbing capacity of the plates when subjected to imp act from hemispherically-tipped and flat-faced projectiles are determi ned experimentally and compared with the available empirical formulae. Two empirical formulae for the prediction of the energy required to p erforate a steel plate with a hemispherically-tipped projectile, adapt ed from the well-known S.R.I. and Neilson formulae for flat-faced proj ectiles, are proposed.