Experimental studies and simulations of shock-compressed silicon

Thesis

The response of silicon to shock-compression has been an area of active research for decades. However, despite considerable improvements in both experimental techniques and computer simulations, the behaviour has not been unanimously constrained. This work introduces a new Lagrangian Elastic code which aims to approach the modelling of solids from a different direction to traditional hydrodynamics codes. We present data from a white-light Laue diffraction experiment, which along with molecular dynamics simulations, suggest that a kinetically inhibited phase-change may be indirectly responsible for the previously reported anomalous elastic response of silicon. We also present data from a monochromatic x-ray diffraction experiment which show the first observed diffraction from a shock-induced high-pressure phase in silicon.

Authors: Stubley, P

• DOI: 10.5287/ora-7reqjbzn2
• Type of award: DPhil
• Level of award: Doctoral
• Awarding institution: University of Oxford