Ductile Fracture Simulation in the Taylor Rod Impact Test Using Continuum Damage Mechanics

Taylor rod impact tests are used as experimental and numerical tests for determining the mechanical behavior of materials subjected to high strain rates. At sufficiently high velocities, a significant plastic deformation leading to fracture is observed. In this article, fracture in Taylor rod made of AISI1045 steel is simulated using a continuum damage mechanics model. The simulation is performed in the velocity range of 300—500 m/s. It is observed that, at lower velocities, tensile cracks are observed at the outer edge of the impact surface. On the other hand, at higher velocities, the fracture is observed at the central axis (confined fracture) as well as at the outer edge leading to fragmentation. Both the results are corroborated with experimental results available in the literature.