Measurements of sound velocities in zinc and titanium alloy by optical method

Information on sound velocity, which characterizes substance behavior under conditions of shock compression followed by release, is required for formulation of substance EOS. Therefore, basing on measurement of sound velocities, it is possible to reveal phase transitions of substance along shock adiabat, including its melting. Interaction of Ti with majority of elements, on the one hand, causes significant difficulties when producing pure titanium. But, on the other hand, it gives opportunity to produce many alloys with various properties. Titanium alloy VT-20 is classified as a pseudo $\alpha$-alloy. Alongside with titanium and its alloys, zinc also is of common application as a structural material. Results are presented on measurement of sound velocities in shock-compressed zinc and alloy VT-20. The measurements were performed by rarefaction overtake method with use of indicator liquids. Basing on results of tests, boundaries of melting of zinc at its shock adiabat were revealed. The obtained experimental data were compared to available data from the other authors.