Shock compression of magnesium alloy by ultrashort loads driven by sub-picosecond laser pulses

The shock compression of magnesium (Mg-4Al-2Zn) alloy polycrystalline films on glass under ultrashort loads driven by sub-picosecond laser pulses was investigated. The continuous diagnostics of motion and reflectivity changes of the free rear surface of the samples was carried out in the picosecond range (<= 200ps) in a single pulse mode using ultrafast spectral interferometry. We present the data on elastoplastic shock wave evolution at a propagation distance of several hundreds of nanometers, elastic precursor decay, shear, and tensile strengths at the extreme strain rate of similar to 10(9)s(-1).

Automated summary

In this study, the shock compression of magnesium alloy polycrystalline films on glass under ultrashort laser pulses was investigated. The motion and reflectivity changes of the samples were continuously monitored using ultrafast spectral interferometry. The results provide insight into the elastoplastic shock wave evolution, elastic precursor decay, shear, and tensile strengths at extreme strain rates.