Experimental and numerical simulation of impact of thin plates with loss of contact between plates and impactor

The present investigation is concerned with the impact of thin plates used in chip building. The problem is studied both numerically with a particular finite element resolution and experimentally with an apparatus propelling the projectile with a crossbow. The initial speed of the projectile is abou t 30m/s. Loss of contact has been detected between the plate and the projec tile during the impact. Presumably, the loss of contact is due to waves pro pagating in the plate and in the projectile. Strain gages are used to study the flexural waves propagating along the plate.