Evaluation of the Dynamic Yield Strength of Solids by Means of the Richtmyer-Meshkov Instability

An experimental procedure to evaluate the dynamic yield strength of solids based on measuring the growth of the Richtmyer-Meshkov instability is proposed. To induce the Richtmyer-Meshkov instability in solids a shock is needed, so this technique is complementary to the one based on the Rayleigh-Taylor instability that is achieved by means of an isentropic compression. We have presented an analytical model elsewhere, validated against extensive finite element simulations, that describes the evolution of the Richtmyer-Meshkov instability in elastoplastic solids. The model shows that after reaching a maximum value, the time evolution of the perturbation at the solid interface remains oscillating. The maximum perturbation amplitude depends essentially on the yield strength of the material. The proposed technique needs only one experimental measurement that is related, through the scaling law given by the analytical model, to the yield strength of the material.