Inertial effects on the crushing strength of wood loaded along the grain

The compression characteristics of laterally constrained wood projectiles striking rigid targets over a range of velocities have been studied experimentally. The deformation of the projectiles is analysed using wave theories based on rigid, softening, hardening and elastic, softening, hardening material models. The material models were deduced from split-Hopkinson pressure bar tests. The results of the analyses are seen to compare well with experimental observations. The short-comings of the models are discussed.