Publications

Mesoscale and continuum calculations of wave profiles for shock-loaded granular ceramics

Vogler, Tracy V.; Borg, J.P.

Attenuating wave profiles from shock experiments on tungsten carbide powder are compared to calculations from the continuum P-λ model and a 2-D mesoscale model to gain insight into the suitability of the two models. When calibrated, both models accurately capture the Hugoniot response of the powder and the arrival times of unattenuated steady waves. Their amplitudes are more accurately given by the mesoscale model since its reshock states are above the Hugoniot as seen experimentally; the P-λ model, in contrast, reshocks along the Hugoniot. When the attenuating wave is in the range of the Hugoniot data, the models predict attenuation correctly. However, when attenuation falls below the Hugoniot data both models are somewhat inaccurate, and the material response seems to lie between the two models. The final aspect considered is the wave rise time, which is qualitatively correct for the mesoscale model but completely inaccurate for the P-λ model. © 2007 American Institute of Physics.