DYNAMIC FRACTURE PROPERTIES OF A TUNGSTEN, 3.5-PERCENT-NI, 1.5-PERCENT-FE ALLOY UNDER EXPLOSIVE LOADING CONDITIONS

The natural fragmentation and fracture characteristics of a tungsten alloy (95%W, 3.5%Ni, 1.5%Fe) are evaluated using hollow, explosive-filled cylinders whose dimensions are varied systematically. Fragment mass/number distributions are found to conform to a dual slope linear fit to the modified Payman distribution. Fragment classifications and measurements are used to determine baseline data for efficient design of notching systems to control the breakup of casings made from this alloy into fragments of preferred size.