The response of two ferroelectric ceramics to one-dimensional shock loading

The shock response of the ferroelectric ceramics PZT and PSZT is monitored using maganin stress gauges in longitudinal orientation. Comparison with previously published data shows good agreement between our PZT and similar compositions. A reduction in wave speed below the Hugoniot elastic limit (HEL) with increasing impact severity is explained in terms of the degree of phase transformation between the ferroelectric and antiferroelectric phases. In contrast, the PSZT wave speeds show the opposite trend, although we believe that a similar mechanism is operating. The HELs of both materials are determined. Although the PSZT has a significantly higher strength, comparison with established trends of the HELs of this class of material with density suggests that the strength of these materials is controlled by density rather than composition.