Valence electron structure model of spall strength in middle carbon steel

A phenomenological theory to model spall strength in middle carbon steel was proposed by using empirical electron theory of solids and molecules (EET). Under plate impact load (strain rate, 105-106 s−1), valence electron structure (VES) of α-Fe, α-Fe-C, and ε-Fe3C phases have obvious change than quasi-static load (strain rate, 10−3-10−2 s−1). Theoretical spall strength of ASTM1045 were calculated at plate impact pressure range of 5.37-8.17 GPa. Experimental spall strength were experimented by using 57 mm-diameter, 12.5 m-long single-stage gas gun and velocity interferometer system for any reflector (VISAR). The relative error of theoretical and experimental spall strength is less than 7.6%.