Pulsed Power Driven Underwater Wire Array Explosions and Their Use to Propel High Speed Flyer Plates

Abstract

The pulsed power driven explosion of underwater wires arrays is a highly efficient method to produce well controlled, easily shaped shockwaves. Several studies have demonstrated that both cylindrically and spherically convergent shockwaves can be launched into the water surrounding the wires, and on axis these shockwaves are calculated to produce multi-Mbar pressures, and ionization fractions >0.5, ideal for studies of Warm Dense Matter.