Dynamic Plasticity discusses the problems encountered in the theory of dynamic deformation of plastic bodies. The book describes one-dimensional problems involving a single component of stress, particle velocity, and single spatial coordinate. The propagation of longitudinal elastic-plastic waves in thin rods or wires is a simple example of this problem of dynamic plasticity. Another one-dimensional problem, which has various possible transverse motions, is the dynamics of extensible strings. This problem is associated in calculations dealing with cables of suspension bridges, of elevator cables, of electric cables. The analogy with the mechanics of extensible strings can be extended to circular and rectangular membranes such as explained by Karunes and Onat. Karunes and Onat analyzed the propagation of transverse and longitudinal shock waves in such membranes using the Rakhmatulin theory for strings. The text also discusses axi-symmetrical problems and the problems of soil mechanics when applied to soft soils. The book can prove valuable to civil engineers, structural engineers, physicist, and students of mechanical engineering or industrial design.

Our topic is irreversible or plastic deformation of structural elements composed of relatively thin ductile materials. These deformations are commonly used in sheet metal forming operations to produce lightweight parts of any particular shape. In another context, this type of plastic deformation is described as impact damage in the case of structural components involved in collision. Here we are concerned with mechanics of both static and dynamic deformation processes. The purpose is to use typical material properties and structural characteristics to calculate the deformation for certain types of load; in particular to find the final deflection and shape of the deformed structure and to illustrate how the development of this final shape depends on the constitutive model used to represent the material behavior. The major issue to be addressed is which structural and constitutive properties are important for calculating response to either static or brief but intense dynamic loads. Furthermore, how do the results of various constitutive models compare with observed behavior.