Advances in piezoelectric PVDF shock compression sensors

The present paper briefly summarizes the advances in new poling technology, as well as the development of high fidelity, reproducible, time-resolved dynamic stress gauges with small areas. The shock induced polarization for 1 and 9 mm/sup 2/ precisely poled gauges are compared. The analysis of the response of these gauges in the "thin mode regime" using a Lagrangian hydrocode has been revisited. Shock measurements in polar materials or polymers, using a new shielding technique for PVDF gauges, are presented. Furthermore, shock pressure profiles obtained with PVDF gauges in porous high explosive in a detonation regime have been achieved and are described.