Shock propagation in a tape wrapped carbon fibre composite

The use of carbon fibre composites has become more prevalent in recent years. As such, detailed knowledge of the material behaviour over a range of conditions is needed. In particular, knowledge of the high strain rate response is desirable. The shock response of a tape wrapped carbon fibre composite of density 1.46 g cm−3 has been determined using both lateral and longitudinal Manganin stress gauges. The US − up Hugoniot was found to be US = 3.69 + 0.59up. Deviation from the Hugoniot was observed in the P–V/V0 plane for impact stresses above 5 GPa. Further, use of lateral gauges allowed the Hugoniot elastic limit to be estimated; this was found to be approximately 1.53 GPa, comparable to other composite materials. In addition, oscillations were observed in multiple traces, and found to be a function of the thickness of the carbon fibre weave.