Investigation of Material Properties and Initiation Criteria Under Dynamic Loading for Metal/Fluoropolymer Reactive Material

摘要

Structural Reactive Materials (RMs) are multi-material composites that provide adequate structural strength and large exothermic yield. Combining the thermal energy output, in addition to kinetic energy, RMs fulfill a role in increasing the overall performance and energetic release of military weapon systems. Since RMs provide structural integrity in addition to thermal energy, it can replace other components used in systems fielded by the military. The goal of this research is to characterize an RM’s mechanical behavior under dynamic loading and determine the initiation criteria. Two mechanisms of initiation commonly reported in the literature are shear-induced and crack-induced. In order to investigate the propensity of shear-induced initiation a Shear Compression Specimen (SCS), combined with Kolsky Bar experimentation, is utilized to induce elevated strain-rates (~10^4 s^-1) to a small region of the specimen. The large strain-rates and strains in the gauge section of the SCS may provide a dynamic stimulus capable of causing the RM to initiate in absence of fracture. The results of the experiments conducted here indicate that fracture precedes initiation despite severe shear-induced plastic deformation (and associated heating) occurring in the gauge section of the specimen.