Abstract
An innovative yield criterion based on von Mises stress is proposed to represent the strain rate-dependent behavior under dynamic load. Considering the strain rate in the constitutive model, the distortional strain energy density is derived and the yield criterion is established. A plot of yield strength for a range of strain rate reveals that despite the differences in material properties and test methods, the yield strength rise can be represented by a unified criterion. The overall yield behavior of the material under dynamic load can be explained by introducing the strain rate into the constitutive model and threshold distortional strain energy density. This criterion is in a simple form that may be widely applied.