On the one-dimensional recovery and microstructural evaluation of shocked alumina

Abstract

A technique has been developed in the previous work for determining dislocation interaction mechanisms in metals by shocking, unloading, then decelerating and catching part of the target for subsequent examination. This proceeds by using a system of partial momentum traps around the sample. This technique is further refined here, and is then applied to recover brittle targets that, in three-dimensional loading, would fail into a series of fragments. A number of hydrocode design simulations are presented to illustrate the technique, and the results of the experiments are presented. Sectioned targets indicate fracture, and X-ray tomography gives an overview of the volumetric damage. The response of the alumina above and below the elastic limit is highlighted.