An Explosive Loading Technique for the Uniform Expansion of 304 Stainless Steel Cylinders at High Strain Rates

Abstract

A new explosive loading technique is applied to study the uniform plastic expansion and fracture initiation of 304 stainless steel cylinders. An annular layer of dry PETN high explosive is placed in contact with the inner diameter of the cylinder and surface-initiated with an array of etched copper bridgewires. This technique produces a simultaneous detonation of the explosive and a nearly uniform expansion of the stainless steel cylinders.