Effect of TiB2 on dynamic response of TiB2-B4C composites under shock wave loading

A series of plate impact tests were conducted to evaluate the effect of TiB2 on the mechanical performance of the TiB2-B4C composites under ultra-high strain rates. The free surface velocity of sample was monitored by the dual-laser Doppler pin system. The dynamic response and Hugoniot equation of state of the TiB2-B4C composites were obtained in shock and impact environments. Experimental results showed that the Hugoniot elastic limit (HEL) of the composites was increased from 14.98 to 16.91 GPa with increasing of loading strain rates. The strain-rate sensitivity of the TiB2-B4C composites, as well as the pure TiB2, was positive. The HEL of the composites was close to that of the matrix material (B4C), and was little effected by the additional agent (TiB2 phase) at the strain rates higher than 10(4) s(-1). Compared with previous data, a strong relation was showed between the HEL and the wave impedance of the composites under shock wave loading.