Guest editor's preface: Laser and particle induced shock waves — A perspective

Abstract

The science of high pressure (Eliezer et al. 1986; Eliezer & Ricci 1991) is studied experimentally in the laboratory by using static and dynamic techniques. In static experiments the sample is squeezed between pistons or anvils. The conditions in these static experiments are limited by the strength of the construction materials. In the dynamic experiments shock waves are created. Since the passage time of the shock is short in comparison with the disassembly time of shocked sample, one can do shock-wave research for any pressure that can be supplied by a driver, assuming that a proper diagnostic is available. In the scientific literature, the following shock-wave generators are discussed: chemical explosives, nuclear explosions, rail guns, two stage light-gas gun, exploding foils, magnetic compression, and high-power lasers.