Inclusion of material non-linearity and inelasticity into a continuum-level material model for soda–lime glass

Numerous experimental investigations clearly established that when soda–lime glass is subjected to sufficiently high axial-stress/pressure, it displays a nonlinear mechanical response and deformation irreversibility (inelasticity). This portion of the material behavior is often neglected in material models for glass which tend to focus on the damage and fracture phenomena of the material. However, material nonlinearity/inelasticity can, in principle, have a profound effect on wave/shock propagation phenomena and processes (e.g. spall fracture). Within the present work, the effect of material nonlinearity and inelastic behavior on the dynamic response (including spallation) of soda–lime glass is studied under symmetric flyer-plate loading conditions using computational methods and tools. Material nonlinearity and deformation irreversibility are modeled in two different ways: (a) as a non-linear elastic material response with no deformation irreversibility; and (b) as a linear-elastic, volumetrically-plastic deformation response. Incorporation of nonlinearity and inelasticity phenomena into a continuum-level material model for soda–lime glass recently developed by the authors revealed that while these phenomena do not measurably affect spall resistance (as measured by a minimum flyer-plate velocity resulting in spallation), they provide beneficial linear-momentum/kinetic energy reduction effects.