A recently proposed model of shock consolidation of powders quantitatively predicts regimes of input energy and shock duration required to produce well-bonded compacts. A growing data base from shock experiments in which the shock wave and powder parameters of importance are controlled allows evaluation of the model.

Rapidly solidified crystalline AISI 9310, and microcrystalline Markomet 3.11, as well as amorphous Markomet 1064 and crystalline Mo powders, have been consolidated by shocks up to 2 μsec duration. The formation of amorphous layers on Marko 3.11 particle surfaces indicates that surface melting and rapid solidification occurred. Decreasing amounts of amorphous structure are retained in Marko 3.11 and 1064 powder compacts with increasing shock energies. Significant improvement in Mo particle bonding is achieved by reducing surface oxides prior to shock consolidation.