Shear stress measurements during high-speed impacts with sand and glass beads

Abstract

Right-circular (φ 15 mm x 26 mm) and spherical (φ 10mm) projectiles were fired verticallydownward (300-1,000 m/s) into acrylic containers (φ 100-190 mm) containing either quartz Eglin sand or solid, amorphous glass beads. A variety of shearing conditions were observed; allowing estimation of stresses along the various shearing surfaces. Under certain conditions a false nose was formed of partially-crushed particles on the front of the projectile and the particulate media sheared along the false nose surface. The included angle of the false nose varies with impact velocity (up to a velocity of 375 m/s) and appears to be a residual artifact of initial impact conditions. An analytical model is presented to explain the false nose formation and stability during the projectile deceleration. Other impact conditions (especially on the front face of the spherical projectiles) resulted in shearing along the surface or surface abrasion.