Dynamic response of fused quartz in the permanent densification region

A shock wave investigation on fused quartz was performed in the permanent densification region, using a double stage light-gas gun with dc x-ray velocity meter and the electromagnetic particle velocity measurement technique. The elastic limit obtained in this work [(8.81±0.11) GPa] was somewhat lower than the published value. The compression curve obtained was quite different from the published curve and indicated that a rapid volume contraction occured just above the elastic limit. The tetrahedral coordinations seemed to remain at least up to 22 GPa, but above 16 GPa, they would be distorted or in some parts destroyed. The pressure of 16 GPa was considered as the limit of the permanent densification process, and the specific volume at atmospheric pressure interpolated along a hypothetical release adiabat was about 0.32 cm3/g.