Measurements of dynamic pressure by PVF2 gauges

The authors present the shock compression response of a 2-mm x 2-mm active area PVF2 gauge. The shock response was studied both on a phi 30-mm powder gun and with a plane wave lens of high explosives coupled to ceramic attenuators. The results obtained with 23- mu m gauges working in the 0-160-kbar range are presented. For each peak shock stress, six gauges, each coupled to two high-bandwidth transient digitizers, were used. The measurements were carried out with an accuracy of less than plus or minus 5% below 100 kbar. The calibration curve giving the shock pressure versus the efficiency of the gauge is presented. A comparison between polymer, manganin, and carbon gauges is given.