Dynamic photoelastic study of crack-wave interaction in thick-walled rings

A series of photoelastic experiments were conducted to study crack-wave interaction in thick-walled rings. Particular attention was paid to the initiation, propagation and branching of small flaws at the outer or the inner boundary of the ring due to stress waves generated from explosion. The results indicate that the crack once initiated propagates until it reaches either one of the two boundaries. Momentary crack arrests are possible during the experiment. © 1987 ASME