Shock Compression of Solid Argon

Abstract

The Hugoniot of solid argon (initially at 75°K and approximately 1 bar) has been determined using standard shock‐wave techniques. Sample pressures ranged 18–645 kbar with associated densities of 1.39–2.18 times the initial density of 1.65 g/cc. Utilizing an exp‐6 interatomic potential, a computed fit was obtained which was in excellent agreement with the data up to 300 kbar. The deviation between theoretical and experimental Hugoniot above 300 kbar is interpreted as either due to melting or to an inadequate model and potential form.