Optimization of the experimental conditions for high-temperature shock consolidation

The high-temperature shock consolidation technique using converging underwater shock wave assembly has been developed and the experimental conditions in obtaining well-consolidated bulk materials are discussed. A series of experiments are conducted for various difficult-to-consolidate powders by changing the temperature up to 1100°C and the shock pressure up to about 50 GPa. Amount of cracks normally generated under room-temperature experiments could be decreased by using the high-temperature technique proposed here. The result is brought by the following reasons; (1) decreased shock pressure, (2) increased ductility and (3) enhanced surface melting of the powders. The pressure required for the consolidation is strongly related to the hardness of the used powders. The application of high temperature could decrease the hardness, and subsequently decrease the pressure required for the consolidation. Optimization of the conditions necessary for the consolidation and bonding are discussed.