Zr-based bulk metallic glasses equation of state under laser shock compression and spall strengths.

Due to the constant augmentation of small sizes space debris (≈ 1 mm), innovative materials to replace the actual space structure shields are of great interest. Hoffman et al. studies (2015) highlight the efficiency of bulk metallic glasses (BMG) as shielding components with hypervelocity impacts experiments on a Whipple shield configuration. In this work, we are focusing on the dynamic mechanical properties of two compositions of Zr-based BMG, Zr₅₀Cu₄₀Al₁₀ and Zr₆₀Cu₃₀Al₁₀, that have already shown interesting properties in quasi-static domain (high elasticity, low density, high tenacity, and high fracture threshold). Laser shock experiments have been conducted at LULI2000 and HERA facilities (FRANCE) to reach extreme conditions with high pressures and high strain rates. In-situ diagnosis like VISAR interferometer and line-imaging velocimeter, allow us to establish the equation of state (HUGONIOT curve) of our two compositions in the pressure range up to 75 GPa and 90 GPa respectively, and also to determine spall strengths, up to 13.8 GPa, for the highest strain rate. Our results (EOS and spall strength) are compared to those of the literature obtained by plate impact.