Experimental technique for generating fast high-density shock waves with phased linear explosive shock tubes

The sequential detonation of a layer of explosive surrounding a pressurized tube can be used to generate fast, high-density shock waves by means of a piston-like implosive pinch travelling at the detonation velocity of the explosive. A novel technique has been developed to extend the regime of operation to piston velocities greater than the detonation velocity of known explosives. This technique consists of cutting a slit in the tamper of a conventional explosive shock tube and introducing a phased detonation wave into the explosive cladding. Preliminary results indicate that quasi-steady shocks can be generated in helium with velocities between 13–17 km/s for initial fill pressures of 6.9 MPa.