Numerical analysis of dynamic buckling of rectangular plates subjected to intermediate-velocity impact

This paper numerically investigates the dynamic buckling of thin imperfect rectangular plates subjected to intermediate-velocity impact loads. From nu merical results obtained, a dynamic buckling and a dynamic yielding critica l condition are defined, and the corresponding critical dynamic loads are e stimated. Numerical model employed in the present study is validated by exp erimental data reported earlier. Results from parametric study indicate tha t initial imperfection and load duration have significant influence on the dynamic buckling of the plates. The smaller the initial imperfection and th e load duration, the higher the dynamic buckling critical loads of the plat es. Moreover, different hardening ratios of plate material also affect the elastic-plastic dynamic buckling properties of the plates. If the plate buc kles plastically, the dynamic buckling load increases as the hardening rati o of plate material increases. Unlike thin plates under high-velocity impac t that buckling always occur after load application, plates under intermedi ate-velocity impact analyzed in the present study all buckle during the loa ding phase. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.