Plugging: physical understanding and energy absorption

AbstractResearch into plugging and related processes, such as punching and blanking, is briefly reviewed and discussed with emphasis on understanding thephysical aspects of the process and its mechanical description. Based on progress in the study of thermoplastic shear instability, a mechanical model isproposed which concentrates on localization of shear deformation up to the occurrence of the instability; the latter phenomenon has been observed experimentally. Making two additional assumptions about perforation and strain distribution, an overestimate of the amount of energy absorbed is obtained, which accounts for well known empirical formulae. Also, an approach is given for assessing the ability ofplate materials to withstand this type of fracture.