Generation of Hypervelocity Particle Flows by Explosive Compression of Ceramic Tubes

Abstract

The compression of ceramic (corundum) tubes by the detonation products of explosives have been studied experimentally and numerically. The formation of the shaped-charge jet of ceramic particles and its effect on steel witnesses targets has been investigated. The tubes were produced by detonation spraying. Ceramic particles were deposited on copper tubes, which were then dissolved in a solution of ferric chloride. In the experiments, a considerable penetration of the flow of ceramic particles was observed. During the interaction of the flow with the target, the target material was partially evaporated, as shown by metallographic analysis. Numerical analysis of the formation of the discrete shaped-charge jet showed that the maximum velocity of the jet head was about 23 km/s, and the velocity of the main part of the jet was about 14 km/s.