Release melting of shock-loaded single crystal Cu

Abstract

We investigate the melting of shock-loaded single crystal Cu during release from solid shock states with molecular dynamics simulations. Cu is subjected to planar shock loading along ⟨100⟩ with a piston velocity (up) of 2–3 km s−1 into the plastic regime. For up≥2.5 km s−1 (above 170 GPa), release melting occurs continuously, and a sustained fully released state (liquid) can be achieved. The shocked crystal may undergo noticeable superheating before release melting. The release path can be regarded as an isentrope regardless of release melting.