An analytical model is proposed for studying the material failure in shear
hinges which develop during the dynamic plastic response of beams under imp
ulsive pressure loadings. The structural response outside a shear hinge is
modelled using a rigid, perfectly plastic theory. However, within the shear
hinge, strain hardening, strain rate and temperature effects are considere
d in order to obtain the conditions for an adiabatic shearing failure. A cr
itical impulsive: velocity is obtained for :Menkes and Opat's beam problem,
which describes a transition from a transverse shear failure mode (Mode II
I) to an adiabatic shear banding mode with increase of impulse. A similar p
rocedure is used to examine circular plates and cylindrical shells, as well
as mass impact problems. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserve
d.