Microcracks induced in granite spheres by projectile impact at velocities ranging from 2.3 to 3.6 km/s

Summary Projectiles were impacted against granite spheres having a diameter of 15 cm at velocities ranging from 2.3 to 3.6 km/s. One target was fractured into a large core fragment and many shell-like fragments. Major cracks which divide the core fragment and many small shell-like fragments were formed along the caustic surface of the reflected shock waves that originated on the target surface. The shape of the caustic surfaces formed in spherical targets is called a cardioid. The other targets suffered impact cratering. They exhibit planar craters with no consicuous raised rim or depression. Microcrack distributions and microscopic effects of impact loading were observed on these targets. The site of extension fractures corresponds to grain boundaries, cleavage planes of biotite and feldspars, and along pre-existing microcracks. Kink bands of biotite were formed at the restricted regions beneath the center of the craters.