Formation of a shear localization in structural elements under transverse dynamic loads

The formation of a transverse shear localization (shear hinge) in a beam el ement made from a ductile material and subjected to transverse dynamic load s is studied in the present paper. Dimensional analysis and a finite-elemen t simulation are used to describe the formation and structure of a transver se shear hinge. It is shown that the beam response under a transverse dynam ic load is determined by two dimensionless parameters, represented by the r elative values of loading velocity and loading time. When the actual impact or impulsive loading velocity is of the same order as the characteristic l oading velocity, then the concept of a shear hinge is relevant. In this cas e, a quasistatic method of an analysis can be used to obtain the length of a shear hinge, and the shear strain within the shear hinge may be determine d from the shear sliding displacement obtained using a rigid, perfectly pla stic analysis. Other response modes and strain rate effects are also discus sed. It transpires that the current conclusions are also applicable to circ ular plates and cylindrical shells. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All righ ts reserved.