X-ray scattering from warm dense iron

Summary form only given. Warm dense iron is of great interest from the perspective of planetary physics and geophysics. Understanding the microscopic structure would help make great advances in understanding the thermodynamics and mechanics of planetary structure and formation. To this end, x-ray scattering from warm dense matter can make a significant contribution. We have created warm dense samples of Fe by laser-drive shock heating and compression using the VULCAN laser. The shock speed has been evaluated by optical streak pyrometry and it has been established that the Fe is expected to be in a molten state at several 100s GPa pressure. X-ray scattering from the sample has been recorded at three angles simultaneously and over multiple shots up to five angles have been recorded for a given sample condition. We will present our data, initial analysis and conclusions.