Multishock to Quasi-Isentropic Compression of Dense Gaseous Deuterium-Helium Mixtures up to 120 GPa: Probing the Sound Velocities Relevant to Planetary Interiors

Abstract

Shock reverberation compression experiments on dense gaseous deuterium-helium mixtures are carried out to provide thermodynamic parameters relevant to the conditions in planetary interiors. The multishock pressures are determined up to 120 GPa and reshock temperatures to 7400 K. Furthermore, the unique compression path from shock-adiabatic to quasi-isentropic compressions enables a direct estimation of the high-pressure sound velocities in the unexplored range of 50–120 GPa. The equation of state and sound velocity provide particular dual perspectives to validate the theoretical models. Our experimental data are found to agree with several equation of state models widely used in astrophysics within the probed pressure range. The current data improve the experimental constraints on sound velocities in the Jovian insulating-to-metallic transition layer.