Dynamic contact stresses produced by the impact of an axisymmetrical projectile on an elastic half-space

Abstract

The dynamic contact stresses between an axisymmetric projectile and an elastic half-space are obtained by solving three-dimensional equations of motion. These stresses are written as the sums of the Hertz contact stresses and wave-effect integrals. In terms of the contact radius, the Hertz theory is shown to be a good approximation in determining total applied force. However, for calculating the maximum radial surface stress at the maximum contact radius, the Hertz theory applies only when the contact time is longer than approximately 40 μsec. The discrepancy between the Hertz radial stress and the corresponding value obtained here is greater at the initial stage of impact than at the middle of the contact time.