AN IMPROVED METHOD FOR SHOCK CONSOLIDATION OF POWDERS

This technique uses a potential geometry with two co-axial tubes. The powder is contained in the internal tube. The external tube is surrounded by the explosive charge which is detonated at one end. This tube acts as a layer tube, impacting the internal tube. This technique generates pressures in the powder that can be several times higher than generated by the single-tube technique. The lower reaction velocity explosives minimize cracking of compacts. Improvements in compact quality were obtained in nickel-base superalloys, titanium alloys and aluminium-lithium alloys.