Electrical response of YCOB single crystal under shock compression

Abstract

Shock wave pressure sensors play a crucial role in explosion and impact dynamics as well as aerospace engine monitoring, yet conventional sensors are limited by the intrinsic properties of their core materials, preventing stable operation under high-temperature and high-pressure conditions. Yttrium calcium oxyborate (YCOB) single crystals, with high thermal stability and resistivity, have emerged as promising candidates for next-generation high-temperature sensors. Herein, the shock-induced electrical response of YCOB single crystals was systematically investigated using a gas gun at room temperature and 590 °C. The peak current increases with shock pressure, showing temperature-independent behavior and confirming the feasibility of high-temperature shock measurements. A numerical model describing the dynamic response of piezoelectric materials was established, providing insights into their discharge mechanisms under dynamic loading. Theoretical analysis indicates that YCOB-based sensors can detect higher-magnitude shock pressures at elevated temperatures compared with conventional devices. These findings provide a foundation for designing high-temperature shock pressure sensors and for studying the shock dynamics of YCOB materials.