Reaction Initiation of Metal Spheres Upon Ballistic Impact with an ANVIL

ORAL

Abstract

When a spherical metallic projectile impacts an anvil at high speed, fragmentation of the projectile and ignition of the fragments may occur. In the present experimental study, small metallic spheres are accelerated up to speeds of 1.2 km/s in a helium--driven gas gun and impact a steel anvil. The ignition thresholds are determined for aluminum, titanium, and zirconium projectiles using optical diagnostics. High--speed photography is utilized to observe the fragmentation process and emission spectroscopy is used to infer the temperature of the fragments.

*Support for this work was provided by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency under contract HDTRA1-16-1-0016-P00001 (program manager Douglas Allen Dalton).

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Authors

  • Dihia Idrici

    • McGill University

  • Michael J. Soo

    • Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head EOD Technology Division
    • NSWC Indian Head

  • Sam Goroshin

    • McGill University

  • Andrew J. Higgins

    • McGill University

  • David Frost

    • McGill University