Ejection of material from shocked surfaces of tin, tantalum and lead‐alloys

We present an experimental study of some mechanisms of material ejection from free surfaces during the reflection of a strong shock wave. Basic phenomenon is momentum transfer from the ejecta to a thin foil whose velocity is recorded by means of a Doppler Laser Interferometry technique. Geometrical defects of the surfaces appear to be an important source of jetting. A marked influence of surface melting has also been evidenced. Moreover, in some materials, density inhomogeneities and localized fusion can also significantly contribute to ejection.