A multidisciplinary research organization within the College of Sciences, ISP undertakes a broad range of fundamental scientific activities related to understanding condensed matter response under dynamic and static high pressures. Washington State University has a long and distinguished history of conducting research in shock wave science. In 1997, the Institute was established by the Department of Energy (DOE) to ensure a strong, long-term academic base for the DOE’s national security mission.
Continuum-to-Atomic level understanding is the pervading theme of research activities that emphasize integration of innovative experiments with theoretical and computational advances. Multidisciplinary efforts that combine expertise in Physics, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, and Chemistry are underway to address several exciting and challenging scientific problems. In addition to the research faculty within the Institute, students and faculty from several departments within the Colleges of Science and Engineering participate in the Institute’s research projects. Excellent research interactions are in place with the DOE / NNSA National Laboratories: Lawrence Livermore, Los Alamos, and Sandia.
The state-of-the-art experimental and computational facilities are housed in the Shock Physics Building. Inaugurated in 2003, the building was designed specifically for shock wave research and represents a unique facility among academic institutions. The major experimental research facilities available for studying physical and chemical phenomena over a large range of length and time scales include the Impact Laboratory, Laser Shock Laboratory, Static High Pressure Laboratory, and the Compact Pulsed Power Facility. Among the Institute’s research capabilities is a Computational Facility designed to complement the experimental effort. Further details may be seen at www.shock.wsu.edu .
