A study on plastic zones of 3 point bend specimens under various impact velocities

In this paper, computer simulations of the mechanical behavior of 3 point bend (3PB) specimens with a quarter notch under impact load are performed. The cases with various impact velocities applied at the side of the specimen are considered. An elastic-plastic von Mises material model is chosen. Results from no viscoplastic and viscoplastic materials are compared. Their materials are applied with static displacement speed and various impact velocities. The configuration of the specimen has the reduced width at the ends. This modified 3PB specimen design has been studied in order to avoid the initial compressive load of the crack tip and also to avoid the uncertain boundary conditions at the impact heads.