Failure wave motion of 3D-C/SiC composites subjected to shock compression

The response and failure behavior of 3D-C/SiC composites subjected to shock compression have been experimentally studied. With the help of a one-stage light gas gun, the 3D-C/SiC composite samples, which are subjected to the plane shock compression by LY-12 aluminum flyer sheets with different speeds become available. Based on the analysis of observation for the curve of pressure vs time, which has been measured from the tests as well as from the samples, it is found that when the shock speed is larger than a critical value, the material of 3D-C/SiC will be comminuted and the failure surface will move from the shock plane to its inward direction in the waveform.