Shock Wave Propagation in Layered Composites

Abstract

Stress histories in multilayered composite targets were recorded using manganin gages in plane impact powder gun experiments. The results exhibit an interesting resonance behavior due to the multiple wave reflections in the layers. This phenomenon is well known in com posites with periodic structure near the linear elastic region, but was not expected to be important at higher stresses, contrary to our results. Elasto-plastic calculations carried out with a finite difference pseudo- viscosity hydro-code did reproduce the experimental result and helped us to better understand the mechanism of shock wave propagation in the composites.