Shock physics focuses on the understanding of what happens to matter under extreme conditions, and is a truly interdisciplinary topic of investigation encompassing physics, chemistry, materials science, solid mechanics, planetary sciences and applied mathematics. Modern research involves both experimental and computational investigations into ultrafast material phenomena and has diverse applications including analysing the effect of meteorite impacts on planets, spacecraft and satellites; and understanding the high-pressure conditions that occur at the core of planets.

Physics of Shock and Impact deals with the shock physics of solids with emphasis on impact applications that are brought about by any of a variety of intense energy stimulations and a number of topics in shock physics are addressed in some depth. Comprising two volumes, this work covers physical, material, mechanical and thermodynamic fundamentals of shock physics where appropriate. Also addressed are current research topics in shock physics, a number of which have yet to achieve a mature status of understanding. The various chapters also include a range of analytic solutions that address topics in the many applications involving shock physics. The solutions are tutorial in nature but are, in many cases, useful complements to comparable computational solutions in that underlying shock physics is usually more clearly revealed. In a number of cases unique shockwave and impact data are used to supplement the presented topic.

Volume 2, Materials and shock response, addresses equation of state in the shockwave and the response to shock of various material classes.

Dennis Grady is currently an Associate and Principal Scientist with the South West Division of Applied Research Associates headquartered in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He received his BS in physics and mathematics from Lewis and Clark College in 1967, and a PhD in physics from Washington State University in 1971. Following three years on the research staff of Poulter Laboratory at SRI International, he joined Sandia National Laboratories, retiring in 1996 as a Distinguished Member of the Technical Staff. He joined the South West Division of Applied Research Associates the same year. He has been involved with the experimental measurement and theoretical description of condensed matter under the extreme pressure and temperature stimulus of shock and high-velocity impact for more than 40 years. He has published more than 300 technical papers and reports on a range of materials and applications issues in the intense shock environment including experimental methods, electric and magnetic effects, phase transformation, high-pressure equation of state, transient strength, energetic reaction, hypervelocity impact, and dynamic fragmentation.

Physics of Shock and Impact deals with the shock physics of solids with emphasis on impact applications that are brought about intense energy stimulations. Comprising of two volumes, this work covers physical, material, mechanical and thermodynamic fundamentals of shock physics. The various chapters also include a range of analytic solutions that address topics in the many applications involving shock physics. Volume 2, Materials and shock response, addresses equation of state in the shockwave and the response to shock of various material classes.

Preface
Introduction
Acknowledgments