Ultimate Yield Strength of Copper

Abstract

Copper specimens were subjected to large dynamic tensions by colliding relatively thin plates with thick plates holding the samples. The collision first produces strong shock waves, from 300 to 600 kbar, that propagate in both directions from the impact interface. Subsequent interaction of the two rarefaction waves resulting from these shock waves produces tensions that cause the material to disintegrate rather than to break in the ordinary manner. Comparison of these recovery experiments with corresponding hydrodynamic calculations show that the yield strength of copper is in excess of 150 kbar. The equation of state of copper used in the calculations is discussed.