Shock temperatures in metals. Final report, March 29, 1977-September 30, 1978

A system for measurement of the spectral radiace of materials shocked to high pressures (approx. 100 GPa) by impact using a light-gas gun is described. Thermal radiation from the sample is sampled at six wavelength bands in the visible spectrum, and each signal is separately detected by solid state photodiodes and recorded with a time resolution of approx. 10 ns. Interpretation of the records in terms of temperature of transparent sample materials is discussed. Results of a series of exploratory experiments with metals are also given. Shock temperatures in the range 4000/sup 0/K to 8000/sup 0/K have been reliable measured. Spectral radiance and temperatures have been determined with uncertainties of 2%