Shock compression of molybdenum single crystals to 110 GPa: Elastic–plastic deformation and crystal anisotropy

To investigate the role of crystal anisotropy on the elastic–plastic deformation of BCC single crystals at high shock stresses, molybdenum (Mo) single crystals were shock compressed along the [100], [111], and [110] orientations at elastic impact stresses between 20 and 110 GPa. Laser interferometry was used to measure shock wave velocities and particle velocity histories. Along the [100] and [111] orientations, elastic–plastic waves (two wave structure) were observed up to 110 GPa. Along the [110] orientation, the two wave structure was observed only up to 90 GPa. The measured elastic wave amplitudes were analyzed to determine crystal anisotropy effects, impact stress dependence, and the activated slip systems on the Hugoniot elastic limit. The findings from our work have provided insight into the role of crystal anisotropy on the elastic–plastic deformation under shock compression at high stresses.