Continuum Solution of Simulated Pipe Whip Problem

The pipe whip problem is a highly nonlinear problem which, except for special conditions, is usually solved numerically. When a dynamic load is applied to the base of a pipe (striker) whose end impacts another pipe (target), it is possible for both the striker and the target to experience plastic deformations during impact. A finite element solution considering the nonlinear impact problem with material nonlinearity has been carried out. At the point when the material becomes plastic, high frequency oscillations can set up in the continuum model. Experimental data indicate that these oscillations quickly disappear due to material damping. The effects of plasticity are considered, as are Rayleigh damping and nonlinear damping in the target material.