Chapter 11 - Shock Wave Focusing

Abstract

This chapter deals with the explanation of shock wave focusing. The shock wave process is essentially a free-field focusing with the inherent limitation that only a small portion of the shock wave emerging from the reflector is finally directed toward the focus. Such shock waves to focus are referred to as converging shock waves for contrast and comparison with focusing a shock wave to a point rather than imploding shock waves. to a line offers the potential for considerably increased gas pressures to be achieved. The final overpressure achieved at the focusing spot of the reflected shock wave is strongly influenced by the geometry of the reflector, because the reflected wave front is reinforced during focusing processes by the expansion waves spreading progressively from the cut corner of the reflector. The shape of the converging shock front is also deformed through the reflection from the curved surfaces of a solid wall. Transition from regular (RR) to Mach reflection (MR), is also an important factor to get the high pressure at the focusing region.