Isentropic Compression Experiments at Imperial College

We report on initial isentropic compression experiments carried out in the Institute of Shock Physics at Imperial College London. The 1.5MA MAGPIE generator and newly commissioned 2MA MACH generator were both used to drive strip lines of various materials and thicknesses and the motion of the electrodes monitored with Het-V and laser probing. Plans for future experiments are presented including heated and cryogenic targets for studying phase changes under pressure; and the addition of external magnetic fields for shear strength measurements. New methods to drive targets to higher pressures are also discussed; along with the use of diagnostics including X-ray diffraction and scattering.