SEDL / STP / STP336-EB / STP42034S

Three Low-pressure Spall Thresholds in Copper

Smith, J. H.
The Sandia Corp., Albuquerque, N. Mex.

Pages: 18    Published: Jan 1963

Download this paper for $25 PDF (896K)          View License Agreement
Abstract

Measured values of the three low-pressure spall thresholds in copper plate are presented. The two lower thresholds are original with this program. However, the incipient spall threshold or beginning of tensile damage corresponds rather closely in magnitude to the dynamic elastic yield strength of copper in compression. The complete spall threshold corresponds to the value determined by Rinehart for copper. Thresholds are presented in terms of pressure and pulse width, and the effect of varying the pulse width with a given pressure is shown.

The experimental methods, including properties of the compressed-air gun, are discussed since they are applicable to most metals and many nonmetals.