High Strain Rate Characterisation of a Polymer Bonded Sugar

Abstract

Submitted for the SHOCK05 Meeting of The American Physical SocietyHigh strain rate characterisation of a Polymer Bonded Sugar STEPHEN GRANTHAM, CLIVE SIVIOUR, University of Cambridge, PHILLIP CHURCH, PETER GOULD, QinetiQ, WILLIAM PROUD, University of Cambridge -The mechanical properties of a polymer bonded sugar consisting of sugar crystals dispersed in an HTPB binder have been measured in a split Hopkinson pressure bar system at temperatures from +20 down to -100˚C. These experiments were supported by further tests in an Instron and DMTA apparatus. The behaviour of this material is compared to that of other polymer bonded explosives and their simulants. A major advance in these experiments was the use of X-ray tomography to examine undeformed and deformed specimens, and to qualify and quantify the damage mechanisms in this material.

Characterising the Response of Energetic materials and Polymer-Bonded Explosives (PBXs) to High-Rate Loading.

“…Reducing the temperature to 0 o C increases the strength slightly but does not affect the shape of the curve. However, at -20 o C the strength has increased dramatically and increases further by -40 o C. At -60 o C the first sign of strain softening after yield is seen; this is more dramatic at -80 o C. Finally at -100 o C the material is behaving in a brittle fashion [39] [40].…”