Shock Induced Polarization in Binary Electrolytes

This study is aimed at explaining strong polarization in shock-compressed aqueous solutions of KF. An original computational method is developed for modeling the charge transfer and accompanied changes of the electric field. Zeldovich's idea of bi-component diffusion of plasma is used as a main mechanism for shock-induced polarization. As a result of this modeling, charge distribution maps as well as electric field potentials in a sample are calculated for various amplitudes of the shock wave. It was found that large potentials introduced in shock-compressed electrolytes can be mainly explained by enhanced diffusion, strong ionic solvation, and change of water permittivity induced by a shock wave. More so, a sign of EMF generated is a strong function of interplay between stress-assisted and inertial diffusion mechanisms. The results obtained bring about a better understanding of mechanisms of shock-induced polarization in liquids.