Manganin gauge and VISAR histories in shock-stressed polymethylmethacrylate

Shock-wave profiles have been measured by many techniques probing the stres s or particle velocity histories of shocked materials. Among the most commo nly used methods are the velocity interferometry system for any reflector ( VISAR) and embedded foil stress gauges. It is relatively unusual to employ both these techniques simultaneously in an experiment. The gauge is backed using a transparent rear window made of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) throu gh which the VISAR is also shone. Examples are given of results from the tw o techniques for metal, ceramic and glass targets, and the direct compariso n validates the accuracy of earlier gauge data. Finally, the results are us ed to construct the principal Hugoniot of the PMMA window material to high accuracy.