Observation of mass and velocity of projectile fragments produced by hypervelocity impact with lightweight ceramic targets

In order to characterize the dynamic fracture of Al projectiles caused by impact with lightweight ceramic targets, we perform hypervelocity impact experiments of lightweight ceramic targets using spherical Al projectiles accelerated by a mini two-stage light-gas gun, and we propose a new method for estimating fragment mass by quantitative image analysis. As materials for the targets, 1-mm thick mullite, silicon nitride, and alumina ceramics are chosen. Aluminum-alloy projectiles 2.0 mm in diameter are impacted onto the targets under normal impact conditions. The dynamic fracture of the targets and projectiles is observed using flash x-ray radiography. In comparison with silicon nitride and alumina targets, a mullite target breaks a projectile into smaller fragments, and the splay angle of the debris generated from a mullite target is larger than that of the other targets. These results suggest that mullite ceramic would be a promising structural member for a debris shield.