Formation of a shear localization in structural elements under transverse dynamic loads

The formation of a transverse shear localization (shear hinge) in a beam element made from a ductile material and subjected to transverse dynamic loads is studied in the present paper. Dimensional analysis and a ®nite-element simulation are used to describe the formation and structure of a transverse shear hinge. It is shown that the beam response under a transverse dynamic load is determined by two dimensionless parameters, represented by the relative values of loading velocity and loading time. When the actual impact or impulsive loading velocity is of the same order as the characteristic loading velocity, then the concept of a shear hinge is relevant. In this case, a quasi- static method of an analysis can be used to obtain the length of a shear hinge, and the shear strain within the shear hinge may be determined from the shear sliding displacement obtained using a rigid, perfectly plastic analysis. Other response modes and strain rate e€ects are also discussed. It transpires that the current conclusions are also applicable to circular plates and cylindrical shells.