A numerical investigation of sleeved Taylor anvil specimens

The Taylor anvil test is widely used for the validation of constitutive models in non-linear continuum mechanics codes. Numerical simulations have been performed on two modified specimen geometries: a sleeved cylindrical projectile and a sleeved conical projectile. In this study the core material is aluminium and the sleeve material is tungsten alloy, providing a large difference in impedance. The objective is to develop concepts that allow the stress profile along the axis of the projectile to be controlled and varied, allowing a greater range of material behaviour to be investigated through anvil tests. The simulations show that by altering the lateral stress relief waves the stress profiles are significantly altered. The sleeved conical projectile achieves significantly higher compressive pressure on the axis than achievable through uniaixal compression for a given velocity.