Evaluation of the dynamic fracture characteristics of shaped-charge jets at different strain-rates and known initial LINER and EXPLOSIVE MICROSTRUCTURES

Date
2020-12
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In the pursuit of continuous improvement within the realm of shaped-charge design, it is the objective of the design to ultimately delay the break-up-time of the produced jets and hence improve the penetration performance. This research was focused purely on the fracture dynamics of particular jets by monitoring numerous design variables. The design variables varied were carefully selected, namely the initiation system, the explosive type, explosive crystal size and the liner angle. These variables were varied such that the tip velocities of the jets decreased linearly from design 1 to design 6. This research employed the ANSYS AUTODYN finite difference code to model the behaviour of the shaped-charges in the stages of liner collapse and jet formation. The design parameters were studied quantitatively to identify the effect of each individual parameter on the jet characteristics. All the AUTODYN analyses were validated by means of flash X-ray analysis for all six designs. The experimental phase of this research project was extensive, quantifying numerous aspects of shape charge design. The data from each experiment was digitally analysed with a sophisticated locally developed software package. The experimental break-up-times were also compared to the break-up-times predicted by a number of widely used analytical models of which one was found to fit the data optimally. The main conclusion of this research was established due to the special care in the manufacture of the respective warheads based on six designs. Experimental evidence is presented in support of a parameter, different to the break-up time, to quantify the plasticity of shaped charge jets.
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Description
Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2020.
Keywords
Shape-charge jets -- Fracture mechanics, Shaped charges -- Design and construction, Fracture mechanics -- Simulation, Microstructure, UCTD
Citation