Institute for Shock Physics

The Institute for Shock Physics (ISP) at Washington State University (WSU) is a leading research organization focused on understanding condensed matter response at extreme conditions. Located at 1455 Northeast College Avenue in Pullman, Washington, the ISP collaborates with academic partners such as Princeton University, California Institute of Technology, and Stanford University to conduct groundbreaking research in Dynamic Compression Science.

Supported by the DOE/NNSA and other federal agencies, the ISP utilizes state-of-the-art experimental and computational capabilities to study physical and chemical changes in solids and liquids under rapid and large compressions. The multidisciplinary research activities involve students, postdocs, and faculty members from various academic disciplines, including physics, chemistry, materials science, solid mechanics, planetary sciences, and applied mathematics.

Graduate students at ISP benefit from hands-on research opportunities in a dynamic and exciting field, leading to successful professional careers. WSU is also spearheading the development of the Dynamic Compression Sector (DCS) infrastructure and instrumentation at the Advanced Photon Source (APS), supported by the DOE/NNSA. This user facility offers a unique opportunity to pursue fundamental science that was previously not possible at any synchrotron radiation facility.

Dynamic compression experiments at ISP subject materials to extreme conditions, resulting in a wide range of physical and chemical changes. Collaborations with NNSA Laboratories such as Los Alamos, Lawrence Livermore, and Sandia further enhance the scientific capabilities and impact of the research conducted at the Institute for Shock Physics.