Shock-wave structure in a unidirectional composite with differently oriented fibers

We have studied experimentally stress profiles upon propagation of a shock wave in a unidirectional composite in the case where the normal to the surface of the wave front is directed at angle $\theta$ to a reinforcing fiber. For $\theta$ = 5 and 15$^\circ$, the elastic precursor behind which the shock wave propagates was registered. For the case $\theta$ = 45$^\circ$, the elastic precursor becomes a plastic wave with a smeared front, and, for $\theta$ = 90$^\circ$, a single shock wave was recorded. Measurement results show that the stress at the yield point depends on the orientation of the fiber and on the direction of the shock-wave motion.