Observations on shear plug formation in Weldox 460 E steel plates impactedby blunt-nosed projectiles

Shear plug formation in circular Weldox 460 E steel plates: impacted by blu nt-nosed cylindrical projectiles with striking velocities between 100 and 5 00m/s has been investigated. Target thickness and projectile impact velocit y were the primary variables, and for each target thickness the ballistic l imit curve of the material was precisely determined. The test at an impact velocity just below the ballistic limit for each target thickness was selec ted for a microscopic examination of shear localisation and fracture. In th ese tests, the plug was pushed only partway through the target, and the loc alised shear zones outlining the Fracture were easily recognised both in th e optical and scanning electron microscope. Clear evidence of adiabatic she ar bands and material damage due to void growth was found in several of the target plates. Analytical models available in the literature were compared with the results from the experimental and microscopic studies. Reasonable agreement was found between calculations and experiments. (C) 2001 Elsevie r Science Ltd. All rights reserved.