Solidification of the Melts of Metals and Liquids in Shock Waves and Quasi-Isentropic and Isentropic Compression

Interest in the study of solidification under shock, quasi-isentropic, and isentropic compressions from the initial liquid state of matter has recently been rekindled. Rapid solidification and crystallization are associated with overcooling under dynamic compressions in the region of rather high pressures. Experimental investigations of solidification due to single and multiple shocks and isentropic compressions were conducted on melts of bismuth and tin; at melting temperatures or higher; and on water, carbon tetrachloride, benzene, and other substances under normal conditions. On the basis of the experimental data on viscosity under the shock compression of water and mercury, the possibility of their crystallization beyond the shockwave front was confirmed.