Dynamic Stress and Strain Propagation through One Dimensional Elastic-Plastic Solid Materials

Propagation of dynamically induced stress and strain through solid medium is considered. Expressions for the speed of elastic and plastic stress/strain propagation through a prestressed medium are derived. It is suggested that the speed of propagation is a function of not only the appropriate gradient of the material stress-strain curve but also of the extent of prestressing or prestraining of the medium. It then follows that for a rigid-perfectly plastic material, no propagation of stress in excess of the yield stress can take place but a strain discontinuity front is propagated.