Evaluation of Numerical Time Integration Methods as Applied to Elastic-Plastic Dynamic Problems Involving Wave Propagation.

Abstract : Several of the more commonly used time integration methods for problems in structural dynamics are applied to obtain the elastoplastic dynamic response of a finite element bar assemblage. Two equivalent problems, representing a first order simulation of a crash that might be suffered by a surface or an aircraft vehicle, were selected to test the various methods. These problems are as follows: An elastic-plastic bar is fixed at one end and subject to a step pulse at the other end, A bar free at both ends travels with uniform velocity and crashes into a rigid barrier. (Modified author abstract)