Prompt Shock-Wave Diagnostics

The many diagnostic techniques which have been employed in the science of shock compression can be divided into two main categories  

Prompt instrumentation is usually intended to measure quantities while uniaxial strain conditions still prevail, i.e., before the arrival of any lateral edge effects. The quantities of interest are nearly always the shock velocity or stress wave velocity, the material (particle) velocity behind the shock or throughout the wave, and the pressure behind the shock or throughout the wave. Knowledge of any two of these quantities allows one to calculate the pressure-volume-energy path followed by the specimen material during the experimental event, i.e., it provides basic information about the material s equation of state (EOS). Time-resolved temperature measurements can further define the equation-of-state characteristics. 

Equation-of-state measurements add to the scientific database, and contribute toward an understanding of the dynamic phenomena which control the outcome of shock events. Computer calculations simulating shock events are extremely important because many events of interest cannot be subjected to test in the laboratory. Computer solutions are based largely on equation-of-state models obtained from shock-wave experiments which can be done in the laboratory. Thus, one of the main practical purposes of prompt instrumentation is to provide experimental information for the construction of accurate equation-of-state models for computer calculations. 

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