Additional Study of the Explosively Driven Expanding Ring Tension Test

Abstract

The explosively driven expanding ring tension test is a method for loading a sample ring of material in dynamic tension that avoids some issues associated with other dynamic tension methods. In this work, we build on previously reported work and our own modeling and simulation efforts to improve the geometry and material selection for the driver and the explosive. We modeled two of the many geometric variables in the explosively driven expanding ring test: charge size and buffer ring geometry. We tested two different explosives and several different heat treatments. Through our modeling efforts, we found larger buffer rings increased sample ring velocity. Testing revealed that the maraging 350 steel drivers required careful heat treatment or driver failure during the test would result. Some additional candidate driver materials, 300M and HY 100, are examined and appear to be reasonable alternatives.