One dimensional elasto-plastic wave interaction and boundary reflections

Abstract Elasto-plastic wave propagation in a one dimensional rod is treated by utilizing finite element analysis. The time dependence is handled by means of a variable time step numerical integration method. Elasto-plastic reflections from a fixed boundary and interaction of plastic waves are discussed. Theoretical expressions are presented for determining the stress response for a material exhibiting bilinear hardening behavior during elasto-plastic wave interaction and boundary reflection. These expressions are employed to evaluate predictions made by the numerical procedure. In the computations, steep wave fronts are approximated by ramps. The steepness of these ramps may be increased by refining the finite element grid. Excellent agreement is obtained between numerical and theoretical elastic and inelastic stress response levels.