Mathematics

Studies from University of Ghent have provided new information about mechanical engineering

  2008 OCT 13 - (VerticalNews.com) -- "In recent years numerous studies on the high strain rate behaviour of sheet materials using split Hopkinson tensile bar set-ups have been reported in literature. For these experiments mostly dogbone-shaped specimens are used," researchers in Ghent, Belgium report.

  "However, widely divergent specimen dimensions can be found. In the present study the influence of this specimen geometry on the test results is investigated experimentally. An extensive series of Hopkinson tests on a steel sheet material using different specimen geometries is performed. An advanced optical technique is used to obtain the true distribution of the deformation along the length of the specimen. Important issues such as the contribution of the deformation of the transition zones to the total deformation and the (non-)homogeneity of the strain in the specimen are thus determined. From the experiments it is clear that the influence of the specimen geometry on the observed behaviour cannot be neglected. It is shown that inconsistencies between the assumed and real specimen behaviour account for these differences," wrote P. Verleysen and colleagues, University of Ghent.

  The researchers concluded: "For the TRIP steel considered in the study, accurate deformation values are only guaranteed if the length to width ratio of the central zone is larger than 1.25 and if the radius of the transition zone is sufficiently small."

  Verleysen and colleagues published their study in Experimental Mechanics (Influence of specimen geometry on split Hopkinson tensile bar tests on sheet materials. Experimental Mechanics, 2008;48(5):587-598).

  For additional information, contact P. Verleysen, University of Ghent, Dept. of Mech Construct & Prod, Faculty Engineering, Sint Pietersnieuwstr 41, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.

  Publisher contact information for the journal Experimental Mechanics is: Springer, 233 Spring St., New York, NY 10013, USA.

  Keywords: Geometry, MathematicsMechanical Engineering, University of Ghent.

  This article was prepared by VerticalNews Mathematics editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2008, VerticalNews Mathematics via VerticalNews.com.