| Abstract: | The importance of viscous effects on the impact cratering process has been investigated. The shock wave front region was characterized by the balance of inertia and viscous forces (Reynolds number 1), and by a continuous distribution of all thermodynamic quantities. The width of the shock wave front region and its flow properties were then related to the impact particle size and velocity, and to the target material properties. Experimental data for aluminum demonstrated that cratering characteristics were changed when the impact particle size was the same order of magnitude as the shock wave front region. An analytical model was developed for cratering dominated by this “viscous” flow. Results from this model indicate a substantial decrease in crater radius and increase in crater surface temperature when compared with inviscid analysis. In addition, a new test method was identified to evaluate the viscosity of solids. |
