Shock Response of Solid CeO$_{\mathrm{2}}$ to 25 GPa

To examine the shock-induced deformation response of cerium (IV) oxide (CeO$_{\mathrm{2}})$ -- a widely used x-ray standard -- solid samples were shock compressed to peak stresses ranging between 2 -- 25 GPa. Shock wave velocities through the sample and particle velocity histories at the sample/window interface were measured using laser velocimetry. A two-wave structure was observed at higher peak stresses, indicating an elastic-inelastic response, from which the Hugoniot elastic limit was determined. The experimental data also provided the elastic-inelastic Hugoniot. Insights obtained from numerical simulations of our results and from comparison with past shock work on porous CeO$_{\mathrm{2}}$ will be discussed.