The Spall Strength Measurement and Modelling of AQ80 Iron and Copper Systems

A series of plate impact experiments have been conducted at a range of velocities required to cause spall planes to grow in three materials. Annealed quenched iron (AQ80) and two types of copper, high‐conductivity, cold drawn (HCCD 101) and copper prepared by a DERA propriety route (XMCu). The rear surface of the sample was observed using VISAR during impact and afterwards the recovered targets were sectioned. The velocity‐time traces were modelled using a Lagrangian hydrocode, DYNA‐2D, which incorporated the Goldthorpe Path Dependent Ductile Fracture Model. The experimental data and modelling is presented and match closely for the iron, whereas the agreement is much less good for the copper. The reasons for this are discussed and future work is proposed.