The Response of Dyneema to Shock-Loading

ORAL

Abstract

Dyneema is a registered trademark of a self-reinforced polyethylene (manufactured by DSM) which is showing great promise as a replacement for brittle-fibre-reinforced epoxies in various dynamic applications. As part of an investigation of its high-rate mechanical properties, we have measured the response of Dyneema under the condition of uniaxial strain during shock-loading. Data on the principal-Hugoniot curve was obtained using in-material manganin stress gauges to measure both longitudinal stress and shock-wave velocity. Off-Hugoniot data was generated using a plate-impact reverberation technique, where a Dyneema sample was contained between two higher impedance copper anvils. Manganin stress gauges mounted on the interface between the Dyneema sample and copper anvils monitored the ring-up of stress in the specimen. Finally, the release curve from a given principal-Hugoniot state was measured using a reverse ballistic impact technique where free-surface velocity was measured using interferometric methods.

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Authors

  • D.J. Chapman

    • University of Cambridge, UK
    • University of Cambridge
    • Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, J.J. Thompson Avenue, CB3 0HE

  • C.H. Braithwaite

    • University of Cambridge, UK
    • Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, J.J. Thompson Avenue, CB3 0HE

  • W.G. Proud

    • Fracture and Shock Physics, SMF Group, Cavendish Laboratory, JJ Thomson Ave., Cambridge, CB3 0HE
    • University of Cambridge
    • University of Cambridge, UK
    • Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, J.J. Thompson Avenue, CB3 0HE