Shock wave velocity and shock pressure for low density powders:A novel approach

A novel approach is presented to predict the shock wave velocity as well as the shock wave pressure in powder materials. It is shown that the influence of the specific volume behind the shock wave on shock wave velocity and shock pressure decreases with decreasing initial powder density. The new model is compared with experimental data of various materials: Fe, Cu, Al, C, UO2, Ce2O3, SiO2 (quartz), NaCl, and polystyrene. It is concluded that the model holds in particular for initial powder densities less than 50% and for flyer plate velocities up to 5 km/s