We calculate the equation of state of dense deuterium with two ab initio simulation techniques, path integral Monte Carlo and density functional theory molecular dynamics, in the density range of $0.67\le \rho \le 1.60\mathrm{g}{\mathrm{cm}}^{-3\mathrm{}}$. We derive the double shock Hugoniot and compare with the recent laser-driven double shock wave experiments by Mostovych et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 85, 3870 (2000)]. We find excellent agreement between the two types of microscopic simulations, but a significant discrepancy with the laser-driven shock measurements.

• Received 6 July 2001

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.87.275502