Shock propagation and damage in tungsten cubes subjected to explosive loading

A combined experimental and numerical study was performed on the dynamic response behavior of cubical specimens of a tungsten alloy. The locations of the first and second (incipient) spall planes were determined as a function of the height of explosive charge acting on one of the faces of the specimen. In the experimental program, the damaged specimens were soft recovered and post-test observations were performed. One-dimensional computer simulations using the WONDY program related the position of the first spall plane to the dynamic fracture strength in order to estimate the dynamic fracture strength of the alloy. A second, incipient spall fracture was observed in the recovered specimens. Detailed examination of the micrographs indicated that the damage occurred by void nucleation and growth. Based on the fracture strength inferred from the depth of the first spall plane, the one-dimensional analysis provided predictions for the incipient second fracture plane location that were in reasonable agreement with the experimental observations.