Development of dual-plane observation techniques of shock wave interaction with solid objects

A better understanding of the effects of shock wave interaction with materials and objects commonly found in natural and urban environments is highly desirable, to facilitate both prevention and mitigation of blast damage. This study focuses on the effects of the shock wave on solid objects made from different materials and placed in a variety of geometric formations. These formations were impacted with a planar shock wave at Mach numbers ranging from 1.2 to 2.0. High-speed visualization of the flow carrying debris takes place in two perpendicular planes simultaneously, allowing tracking of individual debris pieces. Pressure readings both upstream and downstream of the initial object location were recorded with four transducers. We compare our laboratory observations with historical results from large-scale explosions, such as declassified nuclear tests, to develop a scaling framework applicable to both.