Energy Partition in the Exploding Wire Phenomena

Abstract

Streak camera and oscillographic circuit-damping data are presented for exploded copper wires varying in diameter from 3 to 8 mils. A maximum of specific shock-wave energy in the induced flow is found at a wire diameter different from that of a minimum in the total damping time of the circuit. This displacement is shown to be caused by the presence of residual circuit resistance. The proof is based on a critical analysis of optimum damping conditions in the exploding wire circuit. A maximum of apparent energy within the contact surface appears at about the same wire diameter as the minimum of total damping time. Discussion of the implications of the Taylor-Lin similarity theory indicates that lack of similarity of the flow is probably connected with the displacement of the maximum energies associated with shock-wave and contact surface.