Numerical analysis of longitudinal elastic-plastic waves with radial effects

The two-dimensional problem of longitudinal elastic-plastic waves in circular rods taking radial-inertia effects into account is solved based on the finite-element method and an explicit integration algorithm. The elastic-plastic constitutive equations are the yield criterion of von Mises with isotropic work hardening and the Prandtl-Reuss flow rule. Numerical results are shown for the region near the impact end of a semi-infinite rod for two sets of boundary conditions, namely prescribed longitudinal velocity and prescribed longitudinal stress at the bar end. The lateral motion of the struck end is assumed to be unrestrained (zero shear stress).