Using the 2D VISAR to Study Dynamic Fracture and Deformation in Diamond

Abstract:

We have utilized the newly developed 2D VISAR diagnostic, in combination with the existing line-VISAR, to study heterogeneous deformation and fracture in micro- and nanocrystalline diamond. Diamond samples were shock compressed using a high energy laser drive. We obtained images and velocity maps of deformation and fracture that provide an unprecedented view into material response at the breakout surface. Our data show velocity roughening at the breakout surface as a result of spall fracture in free surface samples and as a result of the compressional inelastic wave and reflected release wave in tamped samples. The larger increase in velocity roughness associated with the microdiamond samples agrees with previously obtained data indicating a loss of reflectivity on breakout for microdiamond shock compression. Using the observed fragment size for spall fracture in the microcrystalline and nanocrystalline diamond, and Grady’s model for spall fracture fragment size as a function of strain rate, we have found values for the micro- and nanocrystalline fracture toughness of 103±14 MPa m1/2 and 44±8 MPa m1/2, respectively. Using these values for the fracture toughness, the strain rate dependent spall stresses were calculated and found to agree with previous research.