Dynamic Determination of the Compressibility of Metals

Abstract

Equation of state data for Duralumin in the pressure range from 0.1 to 0.3 megabar have been determined dynamically by measuring shock and free surface velocity electrically in a plate of 24 ST Duralumin that has been stressed by a high explosive detonation. A theory is presented which allows comparison with data obtained by other experimenters, and which yields the relationship between pressure and compression either at constant entropy or constant temperature. The empirical form chosen for the equation of state (p=αμ+βμ²) expresses the pressure as a quadratic function of the compression. Experimental techniques are described in detail. Five points are given for the equation of state of Duralumin in the pressure range from approximately 0.15 megabar to 0.33 megabars. Some data are also presented for cadmium and steel.