X‐Ray Line Broadening Study of Explosively Shocked MgO and α‐Al ₂ O ₃ Powders

Abstract

The present study considers the structural effects of explosive‐shock treatments on MgO and α‐Al 2 O 3 powders. An X‐ray line broadening analysis based on the Warren‐Averbach method shows a reduction in the X‐ray particle size and an increase in the microstrain as a result of the explosive treatments. The magnitude of the effect is similar to that observed in cold‐worked metals with regard to dislocation density and elastic strain energy. The total stored energy resulting from the explosive‐shock treatments is estimated to be about the same as the total surface energy of the powders.