An empirical model for the opposed shaped charge compaction of powdered metals

Abstract

An approximately spherical implosive wave is developed by the abutting and ignition of two shaped charge explosive cones. The spherical implosive wave impinges on a spherical powdered metal specimen compressing the powdered metal in to a solid shape. An empirical model is developed relating the parameters of specimen surface area, powdered metal apparent density, powdered metal maximum theoretical density, specimen weight and explosive weight. The compaction equation developed is based upon a standard specimen which has been compacted to approximate theoretical density. Powdered metals o f a different metal type and apparent density may be related to the standard specimen through the compaction equation. Undercompacted and overcompacted metal specimens are accounted for by the empirical equation.