Static and dynamic tearing of thin steel sheets

Abstract

This paper presents the energy analysis of static mode III fracture of thin steel sheets. For dynamic tearing studies we used the Charpy test apparatus. Static tearing tests performed on three types of steel sheets indicate that the linear relationship of Mai and Cotterell is valid for specimens with a leg width W up to 30 mm. In the given range, the specific work of fracture Γe is determined according to the Mai-Cotterell model. The Γe kinetics is studied as a function of the sheet thickness B, radius of curvature ρ, and loading rate V. The modified model includes a linear dependence of ρ versus W. Moreover, we show that variation of the loading rate V from 1 to 300 mm/min has no effect on the specific work of fracture Γe. A slight decrease in the dynamic fracture toughness J0,d has been found. © 2003 Plenum Publishing Corporation