Measurements of Shock Hugoniot in Unidirectional Fiber Reinforced Composites

The shock wave generated by a planar impact of a flyer plate and propagated along the direction of the fibers of a composite was studied. The sample composite used in the experiments was made of unidirectional aluminum fibers cast in an epoxy matrix. Both the shock wave velocity and the free surface velocity were measured by means of an optical technique. It was found that the shock wave velocity was independent of the shock travel, that is, a steady shock front. The results of the measured Hugoniot also give a satisfactory comparison with those obtained from an analysis proposed in an earlier work. The present measurements may therefore be used to substantiate that analytical study. (Author-PL) See also Report dated Jun 69, AD-692 776.