Elastic property determination of WC spheres and estimation of compressive loads and impact velocities that initiate their yielding and cracking

Resonant Ultrasound Spectroscopy (RUS) was used to determine the elastic constants E, G, and v of 6.35 mm diameter spheres of high purity WC (Roc500), WC-6%Co, and WC-12%Co. Two of the three elastic constants were independently determined using RUS; consequently, the determination of the third elastic constant proceeded without needing to assume a value for any one of the three. Secondly, 500g Vickers hardness was measured with each of the three compositions, and compressive loads and impact velocities to initiate yielding and cracking in the spheres were estimated from the combination of finite element analysis, the elastic properties measured from the RUS analysis, the measured hardnesses, and assumed tensile strengths for the WC compositions.