Analysis of circular hole expansion with generalized yield criteria

Expansion of a circular hole, embedded in an infinite elastoplastic sheet, is studied within the framework of large strain plane-stress plasticity. Material response is modeled by deformation type theories with two families of generalized isotropic yield criteria. Two distinct problems are examined in detail: hole enlargement under internal pressure and hole expansion under remote tension. Strain hardening and elastic compressibility are fully accounted for. Numerical illustrations reveal constitutive sensitivity of stress and deformation profiles. For the internally pressurized hole the specific power needed to create a new volume unit reaches an asymptotic level practically independent of yield criteria. The specific cavitation power is used to derive a simple relation for the ballistic limit in quasi-static plate perforation, showing good agreement with experimental results. Under remote tension the hole expands spontaneously when external stress approaches a limit which is found to be highly sensitive to the yield criteria. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.