Shock Compressibility of Heavy Water

Shock compression curve for heavy water (D2O) was measured in the range of 10～43 GPa by means of a two-stage light-gas gun. Shock velocities were measured to 1.2%～1.5% accuracy using the ASM probe. Impactor velocities were measured to 0.5% accuracy using an electric pin system with nanosecond time resolution. The shock impedance-match method was employed, in which the copper was used as standard. The results showed that two linear D-u fits were used to fit these data, and there exists a discontinuity between these two fits. This phenomenon may be ascribed to the dissociation of molecules of the heavy water.