Zirconium alloy E110 samples with the 0.5 – 8 mm thickness were sock-loaded to measure stress waves at normal and elevated temperatures; results of these measurements are presented. Duration of shock loading pulses varied from ~0.05 µs up to 1 µs with the amplitude from 3.4 up to 23 GPa. Free-surface velocity profiles were recorded with the help of VISAR and PDV laser doppler velocimeters having nanosecond time resolution. Measured attenuation of the elastic precursor was used to determine plastic strain rate behind the precursor front; with plastic strain propagation its rate decreases from 106 s-1 at the 0.46-mm distance to 2∙104 s-1 at the 8-mm distance. Spall strength is measured at normal and elevated temperature, the relationship how spall strength depends on strain rate in the range from 105 s-1 to 106 s-1 is constructed. Under shock compression above 10.6 GPa, shock wave was recorded to have the three-wave configuration due to polymorphous α®w transformation.
This work is implemented with the support of the State Atomic Energy Corporation “Rosatom” under State Contract Н.4х.44.90.13.1111.
