Fracture of an aluminium shell of thick-walled composite cylinder under the action of the electric explosion of wire

Experiments outcome on the study the fracture of aluminium shell press-fitted with a cylinder made of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) is reported. The copper wire to be exploded placed on the axis of the cylinder and voltage of 20–22 kV from the charged capacitor applied to it. The pressure generated with exploded wire transmitted with a shock wave inside the material of the PMMA cylinder and then to the aluminium shell. Fracture of the PMMA cylinder and rapture were observed as a result of the explosion. We performed an estimation of the amplitude pressure generated with exploding wire and then transmitted to the PMMA cylinder and then form PMM cylinder to the shell based on the measured radial pressures as well as fracture strength of the shell. Microscopic study of the ruptured shell performed with “Tescan” scanning electron microscope and a “Discovery” optical stereomicroscope.