Dynamic behavior of double cantilever beams subjected to impact

The dynamic plastic behavior of a double cantilever beam system subjected t o impact by a rigid mass at their tips is studied. Three approaches are ado pted: a rigid, perfectly plastic (r.p.p) complete solution, a mode solution , and an elastic, perfectly plastic (e.p.p) solution based on non-linear be am theory using the Dyna3D finite element code. In the complete solution ba sed on the r.p.p idealization, the dynamic response of the system comprises three successive phases, which are characterized by different sets of plas tic hinges in the system and expressed in closed analytical forms. The mode solution based on the r.p.p idealization is presented in a much simpler fo rm. Particular attention is paid to the partitioning of the dissipation of the total input energy between the two beams. numerical examples are given to demonstrate the influence of some of the structural parameters on the en ergy partitioning. In particular, the results obtained from the three appro aches are compared, and the validity of the r.p.p models in predicting the energy partitioning between the two beams is examined. (C) 2001 Elsevier Sc ience Ltd. All rights reserved.