Abstract:
In this paper, we study the shock compressibility and spall strength of composites reinforced with carbon fibers and glass fibers using a VISAR laser interferometer. A two-wave configuration is shown to form in both composites during the propagation of a shock wave along the fibers. The two-wave configuration in fiberglass is observed up to a shock-compression pressure of $18$ GPa while in a carbon-fiber reinforced polymer, it is recorded in the entire studied range of pressures up to $33$ GPa. The Hugoniots and spall strength of composites were determined at various fiber orientations.