Shock response of porous 2Al+Fe2O3 powder mixtures

Time-resolved pressure measurements have been conducted on 2Al+Fe[sub 2]O[sub 3] powder mixtures using the (PVDF) stress-rate gauge. These measurements were made on samples which were 53% of solid density. Measurements were made at pressures from 0.67 to more than 10 GPa utilizing both impact loading with a compressed gas gun and direct contact high explosive loading. The sample is pressed to the desired density in a copper capsule. PVDF gauges were positioned in front of and behind the powder sample in direct contact with the sample. These gauges measure the input and propagated stress-rate and are used for a precise measurement of velocity through the 4 mm thick sample. In the case of high explosive loading, gauges are also installed on the explosive side and on the capsule side of a metal driver plate to measure the shock velocity through the driver so that the driver pressure can be determined. The responses of 2Al+Fe[sub 2]O[sub 3] under shock compression appears to demonstrate a more complex behavior than other materials. At approximately 4.6 GPa, the material compresses to beyond solid density. There was no evidence of chemical reaction. [copyright] 1994 American Institute of Physics