Systematic uncertainties in shock-wave impedance-match analysis and the high-pressure equation of state of Al

A method for producing quantitative estimates of systematic uncertainties generated in the analysis of impedance-match shock-wave data is described. Central to the method is an analytic representation of the principal Hugoniot of the standard which incorporates a description of data-dependent uncertainties of the principal Hugoniot and model-dependent uncertainties of the off-Hugoniot states. Expressions for the sound speed and Gruneisen coefficient along the principal Hugoniot are also derived with uncertainties. An accurate impedance-match shock-wave equation of state for Al to shock pressure of 3 TPa is given and is used to estimate the systematic uncertainties of several previously published experimental results. (c) 2005 American Institute of Physics.