Anisotropic Hugoniot elastic limit of MgO

The particle velocity profiles of an MgO single crystal were measured along both and directions using a LiF window and a VISAR (velocity interferometer system for any reflector) combined with a powder gun. The Hugoniot elastic limit (HEL) of MgO in the direction was ~4.09–4.31 GPa and the particle velocity profiles indicated that MgO suffers stress relaxation with time. Along the direction, the HEL was higher (~13.6–14.9 GPa) than along the direction and Anomalous, two-step-structure elastic waves were observed. These characteristics are discussed based on the slip system of the MgO crystal.