The use of shock-structure methods for evaluating high-pressure material properties

On the occasion of the Distinguished Scientist Award presentation made at the 1994 Hypervelocity Impact Symposium, the capabilities far using time-resolved wave structure measurements to explore a wide range of dynamic material response were discussed. The presentation provided a brief summary of the status of high velocity launchers and modem diagnostics for studying a wide range of dynamic material properties, a summary of research on the high-pressure strength properties of shock materials, results of shock-induced dynamic phase changes including polymorphic, melting and vaporization and thoughts about the future of shock compression science. The following discussion covers the overall presentation given at the Symposium.