Shock wave apparatus for studying minerals at high pressure and impact phenomena on planetary surfaces

摘要

Shock wave and experimental impact phenomena research on geological and planetary materials is being carried out using two propellant (18 and 40 mm) guns (up to 2.5 km/sec) and a two‐stage light gas gun (up to 7 km/sec). Equation of state measurements on samples initially at room temperature and at low and high temperatures are being conducted using the 40 mm propellant apparatus in conjunction with Helmholtz coils, and radiative detectors and, in the case of the light gas gun, with streak cameras. The 18 mm propellant gun is used for recovery experiments on minerals, impact on cryogenic targets, and radiative post‐shock temperature measurements.