Effects of crystal orientation on the shock properties of single crystal tin

Tin is known for its asymmetric crystal structure and numerous solid phase transitions, with molecular dynamics studies suggesting the beta to gamma phase transition exhibits a strong orientation dependence. In this study, shock compression experiments are conducted on tin single crystals and polycrystals to probe the effects of the crystal orientation on this phase transition through Hugoniot measurements, with peak pressures between 9 and 13 GPa. A strong order-of-magnitude orientation dependence of the elastic limit is found; however, the transition and post-transition behavior show at best only qualitative differences to the velocimetry profiles, with no quantitative variation. A dependence of the transition on the peak pressure is also observed. Explanations of these results based on potential transformation pathways identified through prior static high pressure work are discussed.