FRACTURE OF CUBICAL TUNGSTEN SPECIMENS UNDER EXPLOSIVE LOADING

Tests have been conducted on cubical specimens of two tungsten alloys subject to explosive loading. One- and two-dimensional numerical simulations have been used in conjunction with experimental data to estimate the spall stress values of the two alloys. Capping the specimens with a thin layer of aluminum suppressed spallation, but led to fracture along the centerline of specimens of one of the two alloy materials; specimens of the other alloy maintained their integrity. Two-dimensional numerical simulations show large tensile stress along the centerline of the fragment due to the superposition of rarefaction waves from edge relief. The derived spall strengths of the two alloys were found to be consistent with the centerline fracture characteristics.