Shock-Wave Compression of Iron and Bismuth

Abstract

A helium gun was used to propel metal projectiles against targets of the same materials. Pressures produced by impact were varied by varying projectile velocities. The method produced pressures up to somewhat over 100 kbar, thus overlapping the lower part of the range of pressures which can be produced by detonation of high explosives. Of particular interest was the range of pressures intermediate between the highest which can be produced statically and the lowest which can be produced by explosives. A condenser micrometer was used to detect motion of the free surface of the target. This method permitted examination of the motion in greater detail than could reasonably be accomplished by other methods which have been used. Elastic and plastic waves were observed in iron and in bismuth. Assuming the Rankine-Hugoniot shock conditions, pressures and compressions were computed. Pressure-compression data for iron were obtained for intermediate pressures not previously investigated. Phase transitions in bismuth were observed for pressures up to about 40 kbar.