Spectro‐Microscopic Characterization of Elastomers Subjected to Laser‐Induced Shock Waves

The core of this research is separated into three domains, the ultrahigh strain rate response elastomeric polymers, laser-induced shock waves , and terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS). Elastomers, e.g., polyurea, constitute an advance class materials suitable for many applications, specifically in high impact loading scenarios, thus, a wave (LSW) experimental technique used to investigate mechanical shock-loaded polyurea. LSW can submit samples exceeding 106 s−1 at low strains, enabling determination material intrinsic failure modes. large deformation induced during may alter macromolecule structure, which only be detected spectroscopically. Therefore, incorporated bulk detect report molecular conformational changes. Microscopy techniques were also elucidate changes microscale properties, morphology, topography. interpretation results explicated brittle terms partial total spallation and, remarkably, ductile leading plastic deformation, including bulging adiabatic shearing, not previously associated with technique. Furthermore, spectral found regime substantiated validity elucidating underlying mechanism mitigating properties dynamically loaded