Characteristic of dynamic tensile fracture in augite-peridotite

Planar impact experiments were carried out to induce controlled dynamic tensile fracture in augite-peridotite. Samples, backed with PMMA buffer and windows, were impacted with PMMA impactor at velocities of 30 to 160 m/s. This resulted in maximum tensile stresses were in the range of ∼50 to 290 MPa. Spall strength was determined to be ∼58.1 MPa from a particle velocity profile measurement. The spall strength/HEL ratios for augite-peridotite and several other rocks were discussed based on the Griffith's yield criterion and the experimental measurements.