On the development of an impact-loaded wedge test using ORVIS

Abstract

Abstract. Experiments using a wedge-shaped explosive sample shocked with an attenuator-explosive booster are historically used to provide data for fitting an empirical relationship between the input stress and shock-to-detonation run distance. Recent problems with plane wave lens availability and increased needs for characterizing novel explosive formulations have highlighted the need for a modernized approach to traditional wedge tests. We present our concept of an impact-loaded wedge test which uses a gas gun, a wedge-shaped explosive sample and the line-imaging ORVIS (Optically Recording Velocity Interferometer System) diagnostic. The ORVIS optical configuration is modified from the standard configuration to project the laser line onto the inclined surface of the wedge-shaped sample where the return light is collected with a streak camera. Initial data of shock breakout in inert samples are presented.