Abstract
Poled specimens of barium titanate (BT) and lead zirconate titanate (PZT) ceramics have been successfully recovered after shock loading antiparallel to the polarization vector (short-circuit configuration) in the 3- to 23-kbar range. It has been shown that permanent depoling as a result of phase transitions or of domain switching can occur within the microsecond time scale of a shock experiment. Results of dynamic charge release measurements made during shock transit in PZT 52/48 tend to corroborate the findings of other investigators. Techniques for recovery of shock-loaded specimens are discussed.