Differences in the hydrostatic implosion of metallic and composite tubes studied using digital image correlation

Abstract

A comparative experimental study is conducted to investigate the mechanisms and energies associated with the hydrostatic implosion of hollow cylinders of different materials. Experiments are performed in a 2.1 m diameter spherical pressure vessel designed to provide constant hydrostatic pressure through the collapse event. Aluminum, glass/polyester, and carbon-fiber/epoxy tubes are studied to explore the effect of material type on the modes of failure. 3-D Digital Image Correlation technique, which is first calibrated for the underwater environment, is used to capture the full-field real-time deformation during the implosion event. Dynamic pressure transducers measure the pressure pulses generated by the implosion event and evaluate its damage potential. Using these measurement techniques, the differences in mechanisms of failure as well as their effects on the local pressure history are characterized.