A Method for Fast Determination of Shock Dynamics
Abstract
Shock wave focusing occurs frequently both in nature and in a variety of man-made applications. Due to the nonlinear nature of shock waves and their interactions with non-uniform or moving media, solid or porous surfaces or other shock waves, predictions of shock dynamics and shock focusing events are far from trivial. Extreme conditions created at the focal region -- resulting in very high pressures and temperatures -- can be either beneficial or detrimental. As the shock wave emerges from the focal region after the shock focusing event, the shape of the shock is often fundamentally altered. Therefore, knowledge of the shock focusing process, and how to control it, is critical to fully understand its consequences and how to best enhance or mitigate it as needed depending on the application of interest. The proposed research project aims to deepen the understanding of shock wave focusing processes by studying the interaction of multiple synchronized converging shock fronts. In this research, experiments featuring an exploding wire setup will be combined with a hybrid analytical/numerical method. In particular, the goal is to tailor the shape of a 3D shock surface, consisting of multiple synchronized shock waves, such that the shocks coalesce upon a target area resulting in maximum pressure or impulse at the target area while at the same time reducing collateral damage away from the target area.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jul 18, 2017
- Source ID
- FA86511710004
Entities
People
- Veronica Eliasson
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory
- United States Air Force
- University of California, San Diego