Analysis of the dynamic propagation of adiabatic shear bands

The dynamic propagation of adiabatic shear bands is analysed. In the numerical simulations, a layer of finite length and finite thickness is subjected to shear loading. After a transient, a steady state is attained in which adiabatic shear bands propagate with a constant velocity. The evolution of the shear band speed is determined as a function of the applied velocity. A dimensional analysis allows to determine a general law describing the influence of each problem’s parameter on the shear band speed. The effects of heat conduction are discussed in details. Finally the concept of a process zone is introduced. The process zone is a region propagating with the shear band tip, where an intense stress softening is produced by thermo-mechanical coupling. It is shown how the shear band propagation is controlled by this stress softening