Development of scaling laws for explosive forming

Abstract

Explosive forming of large sheet-metal shapes suitable for boosters or spacecraft is potentially a fast and economical process. However, the development of an optimum technique with a particular material is a trial-and-error process. With reliable scaling laws, this trial-and-error process can be carried out conveniently and inexpensively on a small scale. This study develops workable scaling laws and shows what similitude requirements may be neglected in a scale-model test.