Sound velocity of strongly coupled plasmas

The sound velocity for fully ionized plasmas is calculated for a wide range of densities and temperatures taking into account exchange and correlation interactions. Ideality and exchange are considered semi-relativistically, and correlations are described by Pade approximants. The results are compar ed with the most recent equation of state-tabulations and may serve as an u seful tool for plasma diagnostics as, e.g., for laser-driven shock compress ed plasmas or for the analysis of stellar pulsations. (C) 2001 Elsevier Sci ence B.V. All rights reserved.