Application of tape-cast graded impedance impactors for light-gas gun experiments

Fabrication of compositionally graded structures for use as light-gas gun impactors has been demonstrated using a tape casting technique. Mixtures of metal powders in the Mg-Cu system were cast into a series of 19 tapes with uniform compositions ranging from 100% Mg to 100% Cu. The individual compositions were fabricated into monolithic pellets for characterization of microstructure, density, and sound wave velocity. Graded impactors were fabricated by stacking layers of different compositions in a sequence calculated to yield a tailored acoustic impedance profile, and were characterized by ultrasonic C-scan and white light interferometry. The graded impactors were launched into stationary Al targets using a two-stage light-gas gun, and the resulting wave profiles were measured with either VISAR or Photonic Doppler Velocimetry. For an impactor using only seven compositions ranging from Mg to Cu, the composition steps are visible in the wave profiles. An impactor utilizing the full series of 19 compositions produces smoother compression with no visible manifestation of the discrete-layer structure. Hydrodynamic simulations of these impactors also suggest smooth compression profiles within the impactor.