SEDL / STP / STP1074-EB / STP18994S

Explosive Testing of Full Thickness Precracked Weldments

Gifford, LN
David Taylor Research Center, Bethesda, MD

Carlberg, JR
David Taylor Research Center, Bethesda, MD

Wiggs, AJ
David Taylor Research Center, Bethesda, MD

Sickles, JB
David Taylor Research Center, Bethesda, MD

Pages: 21    Published: Jan 1990

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Abstract

We describe an explosive test which uses small charges to induce plastic strain up to a few percent in a cracked structural element with thickness on the order of 50 mm (2 in.). The boundary conditions of the test section, its nominal strain versus time history, and peak strain as a function of charge weight are all determined experimentally. Finite element models capable of reproducing this behavior are also described; their purpose is to allow computation of possible fracture-governing parameters and to correlate response of the element to full-scale structural behavior. Some early fracture test results for shallow cracks in HY-80 GMA welds are presented and discussed. We find that these tests, which reflect severe but realistic service conditions, are well beyond the limits of current ASTM elastic-plastic fracture tests such as E 813-87, Test Method for J^Ic.