CONFIDENTIAL A BRIEF STUDY OF THE PLASTIC BEHAVIOR OF STEEL

This report describes a short series of exploratory tests on a group of 24 plate specimens and simple model structures undertaken in an effort to learn more of the behavior of shipbuilding steel in the plastic range. Each of the specimens was nrovided with a "crack starter " in the form of a central hole with narrow transverse saw cuts on either side, and most of the specimens were fitted with what may be termed "crack stoppers " represented by rows of holes, riveted straps, or other similar de-vices applied in pairs abreast the holes. The various specimens are illustrated by diagrams and photographs, their be-havior under load is described, and a brief analysis of the test results is given. It is concluded that relatively little is yet known of the behavior of steel in the plastic range, that comprehensive tests of this kind require larger-scale spec-imens, and that much more work is urgently needed