GENERAL SHOCK-WAVE EQUATION OF STATE FOR SOLIDS

A theoretical shock wave equation of state has been derived based on t he Morse potential-function, known from classical spectroscopy. Using this potential function and an interstitial-electron model, a linear r elation between the shock wave velocity and the mass displacement velo city can be found, analogous to the common empirical relation, but wit h parameters derived from easily accessible nonshock-wave data. The eq uation is applicable to a wide range of inorganic materials, as will b e demonstrated in two forthcoming articles on metals and ceramics. Exa mples are shown for silver and copper. Calculations are within 5% aver age error between experimental data and the model. (C) 1995 American I nstitute of Physics.