Measurements of the inert Hugoniot and observation of mechanical ignition in Ni(V) + Al reactive multilayers via x-ray diffraction

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This study investigates the inert Hugoniot response, mechanical ignition, and reaction dynamics of Ni(V)+Al multilayers during longitudinal, laser-driven shock compression experiments. Ni(V)+Al multilayers, known for their self-propagating exothermic reactions, were subjected to longitudinal stresses exceeding 50 GPa using the laser shock facility within the Dynamic Compression Sector (DCS) at the Advanced Photon Source (APS). In situ x-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed that Ni(V) and Al were not in equilibrium during compression, with stress discrepancies attributed to twinning, grain structure effects, and/or dislocation density. However, the measured inert Hugoniot closely matched prior experimental and computational studies, confirming the utility of XRD for measuring the equation of state of thin, complex materials. Additionally, reaction was observed at significantly higher stresses than reported previously using laser-launched flyers. This discrepancy suggests a strong influence of externally imposed shear stress on reaction thresholds, which likely arose from deviations in flyer planarity during past experiments. Full reaction of the multilayer occurred within 40 ns after shock-wave passage, evidenced by complete melting of the constituents. Eulerian hydrocode simulations replicated experimental conditions, providing insights into equilibrium dynamics and experimental artifacts. The results highlight how even small shear forces facilitate ignition in Ni(V)+Al multilayers at lower stresses.

Source: Journal of Applied Physics

DOI: 10.1063/5.0308428

Authors: Melia S. Kendall, Paul E. Specht, Chad A. McCoy, Sakun Duwal, Michael J. Abere, David E. Kittell, Mark A. Rodriguez, David P. Adams

Institutions: University of Colorado Boulder, Sandia National Laboratories

Language: English

Topic: High-Velocity Impact and Material Behavior

Subfield: Materials Chemistry

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,500

Funders: U.S. Department of Energy, Washington State University, Office of Science, National Nuclear Security Administration, Laboratory Directed Research and Development, Argonne National Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratories

OpenAlex ID: W7131102007