Release wave propagation in shocked molybdenum approaching melt conditions

The purpose of this study is to investigate the unloading behavior of molybdenum at shock pressures approaching the melt regime, particularly in the vicinity of a previously reported solid-solid transition. Symmetric impact experiments were conducted using a two-stage light gas gun and VISAR diagnostic system to examine molybdenum's behavior up to pressures of 305 GPa. The approach required compensating for the wave interaction due to the low impedance LiF window, but provided detailed information regarding the release state and comparison of the measured sound speeds support the existence of the phase transition. This paper describes the strategy, experimental method, and corresponding results which are used to draw conclusions about the dynamic behavior of molybdenum at high pressure.