Lateral stress measurement in shock-loaded targets with transverse piezoresistance gauges

We present an analytical model for the calibration of lateral piezoresistance stress gauges in shock-wave experiments. This calibration is based on our experimental data with transverse Manganin gauges in shock-loaded polymethylmethacrylate targets. The experiments included lateral stress measurements under shock loading in the 1–30-kbar range and under complete unloading from stresses in the 5–9-kbar range. These unloading measurements resulted in a negative resistance change for the transverse Manganin gauge which implies that a hydrodynamic tension exists in it. The validity of our analytical calibration is demonstrated by comparing measured and predicted lateral stresses in glass targets.