Attenuation of shock waves in a mixture of aluminum oxide and polymethylmethacrylate

The results of experimental investigation into shock wave attenuation in an aluminum oxide-PMMA mixture and in Al2O3-B4C-SiC ceramics (both solid and porous) are reported. Shock waves of a nearly triangular profile were gener ated by exploding a short (10 mm thick and 40 mm in diameter) high explosiv e charge. The attenuation degree was estimated from a decrease in the press ure amplitude transmitted to an indicator medium through the samples tested at their various thickness. The data are compared with results obtained fo r other materials. As distinct from metals and other materials the attenuat ion factor of porous ceramic layers decreases with increasing their porosit y and upon introduction of a plastic material in them, however the attenuat ion factor per unit layer mass increases.