Using density functional theory molecular dynamics simulations, we predict shock Hugoniot curves of precompressed methane up to 75$$000 K for initial densities ranging from 0.35 to 0.70 g$$cm${}^{-3}$. At 4000 K, we observe the transformation into a metallic, polymeric state consisting of long hydrocarbon chains. These chains persist when the sample is quenched to 300$$K, leading to an increase in shock compression. At 6000$$K, the sample transforms into a plasma composed of many, short-lived chemical species. We conclude by discussing implications for the interiors of Uranus and Neptune and analyzing the possibility of creating a superionic state of methane in high pressure experiments.

• Received 12 July 2012

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.86.224113