Anisotropic Hugoniot elastic limit of MgO

Abstract

The particle velocity profiles of an MgO single crystal were measured along both <100> and <110> directions using a LiF window and a VISAR (velocity interferometer system for any reflector) combined with a powder gun. The Hugoniot elastic limit (HEL) of MgO in the <100> direction was ∼4.09-4.31 GPa and the particle velocity profiles indicated that MgO suffers stress relaxation with time. Along the <110> direction, the HEL was higher (∼13.6-14.9 GPa) than along the <100> direction and Anomalous, two-step-structure elastic waves were observed. These characteristics are discussed based on the slip system of the MgO crystal. © Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd.