Use of a liquid shock tube as a device for the study of material deformation under impulsive loading conditions

Abstract

The deformation of metal plates and tubes achievable through the use of liquid shock waves generated in a shock tube is studied, with reference to both free-forming and forming the metal into dies, as well as to imprinting detailed features. The process is highly controllable, in terms of the magnitude and duration of the applied pressure pulse. A projectile is fired into a liquid column producing a high-pressure liquid shock wave which impinges on the testpiece. Different projectile materials, driving pressures and impact velocities are used to alter the energy and impulse transmitted. A particular attraction of its use in a laboratory is the application of high-speed photography to the deformation process. Illustration of the application of the facility to slamming studies and to fracture of brittle materials is included. It is concluded that the techniques employed offer a useful and versatile tool for many studies of material deformation.