Experimental Methodology

This chapter introduces the need for the data required for this research in Section 3.1 and explains the experimental and computational methods that are used to acquire and analyze those data. This chapter outlines the processes used to fabricate all required test specimens and the mechanical tests required to obtain the necessary material and design properties and parameters. Two different test specimen designs required for mechanical testing are cylindrical specimens and cube specimens. The majority of required data were obtained through analysis of the stress-strain response curve under compression loading. Compression testing is a relatively well-known technique for determining material properties in the static and quasi-static regimes, with established procedures. The densification strain was found in a similar matter to the yield strength. Poisson's ratio was found using digital image correlation through the elastic region of the compression response. The ballistic range used by Air Force Institute of Technology consists of a pneumatic cannon, which incorporates a pressure vessel, pressure release valve, and barrel.