Strain Measurement Techniques in Explosives

  Experiments to visualise the detailed microstructure of highly heterogeneous plastic‐bonded explosives have utilised high‐resolution moiré interferometry to measure localised deformations under quasi‐static loading. The information obtained has proved valuable in the development of finite element material models, and offers the potential to isolate and examine the influence of particular microstructural features (like binder layer thickness, or explosive crystal size) on deformation characteristics. New insight into failure processes and the implications of ageing effects have been obtained. The experimental methods and modelling have broad applicability to microstructural studies of a variety of composites.