Molecular dynamics of shock and detonation phenomena in condensed matter

A description is given of results obtained in shock loading two lattices, each containing a void, and bonded by realistic potentials. For purposes of comparison results are also presented for a shock-loaded 'model' lattice containing a void that has the same initial geometrical configuration as the lattices bonded by realistic potentials. A description is also presented of related studies on a metastable lattice that can undergo an exothermic rearrangement (phase transition) to a lower energy configuration. Attention is given to results which demonstrate the derivation of the 'Hugoniot' relationship between particle and shock velocities by molecular dynamics. The studies show the crucial role played by free surfaces in converting shock energy into individual particle kinetic energy by bond rupture