Expansion of a model describing the acceleration and deformation of explosively driven metal plates

Computer simulations can be powerful tools in the analysis of explosive systems, but the programs themselves and the hardware required to run them effectively can be prohibitively expensive. Simple analytical models can be ideal in this situation, as they do not require the computational resources of complex simulations. Linear shaped charges in particular can benefit from simple analytical models. Through symmetry, the linear shaped charge can be initially examined as a flyer plate. Current models can accurately predict the final velocity achieved by a flyer plate, but cannot predict as accurately the velocity history of the flyer. Particularly in shaped charge applications, it is important to understand both the acceleration history and the deformation of the flyer to allow for accurate determination of the jet parameters. Previous work proposed a numerical model based on the rarefactions in the detonation product gases to predict both the acceleration and deformation of the flyer. The influence of the rarefactions was summarized by the pressure release ratio. Each explosive compound has its own pressure release ratio, which is a relationship that needs to be better understood. Computer simulations were compared to the results of the rarefaction-based model to determine the validity of calculated pressure release ratios for each of 46 explosives examined. The average error across all compounds tested was 33.3 % from 0.2 -- 1.0 mus and 11.7 % from 1.2 -- 5.0 ?s for a total average error of 16.0 %.