Dynamic Response of Kovar to Shock and Ramp-Wave Compression.*

Complementary \textit{gas-gun} and \textit{electromagnetic pulse} tests conducted in Sandia's Dynamic Integrated Compression Experimental (DICE) Facility have, respectively, probed the behavior of electronic-grade Kovar samples under controlled \textit{impact} and \textit{intermediate-strain-rate ICE} (Isentropic Compression Experiment) loading. In all tests, velocity interferometer (VISAR) diagnostics provided time-resolved measurements of sample response for conditions involving one-dimensional ($i.e.$, uniaxial strain) compression and release. Wave-profile data from the gas-gun impact experiments have been analyzed to assess the Hugoniot Elastic Limit (HEL), Hugoniot equation of state, spall strength, and high-pressure yield strength of shocked Kovar. The ICE wave-profile data have been interpreted to determine the locus of isentropic stress-strain states generated in Kovar for deformation rates substantially lower than those associated with a shock process. The impact and ICE results have been compared to examine the influence of loading rate on high-pressure strength.