Washington State University, Institute for Shock Physics
Understanding Materials at Extreme Conditions
The Institute for Shock Physics (ISP) at Washington State University is a multidisciplinary research organization with an emphasis on understanding materials at extreme conditions. The research activities involve examining and understanding physical and chemical changes in solids and liquids under very rapid and large compressions. Studying matter at such extreme conditions provides fundamental knowledge related to condensed matter physics and chemistry, materials science, high energy density science, mechanics, and planetary science with applications to fusion energy, development of new materials, space structures, and national security.
One of ISP’s principal accomplishments is well-educated and rigorously trained scientists who have gone on to successful professional careers and have become leaders in the field.
The ISP is unique among academic institutions. As such, the Institute aims to strengthen ongoing efforts to enhance the long-term intellectual vitality of dynamic compression science, a field uniquely suited for studying/understanding material response under extreme conditions.