On the Compressive and Tensile Dynamic Strength of Magnesium Aluminate Spinel

Polycrystalline transparent Magnesium Aluminate Spinel (MAS) is an attractive material for a wide range of optical, electronic, structural and armor applications. Transparent MAS samples of 20-30 mm diameter and 3-5 mm thickness has been successfully fabricated by means of Field Assisted Sintering Technology. The dynamic response of MAS was investigated by plate impact experiments. The values of the Hugoniot Elastic Limit (HEL) and the spall strength were derived from the VISAR records of the velocities of the free sample surface or of the sample/window (PMMA) interface. The dependence of the HEL and the spall strength on the impact stress, as well as, correlation between the spall strength and the width of the loading pulse are discussed.