Shock Waves

Any fluid that propagates at supersonic speeds (Supersonic waves are mechanical waves which travel with speeds greater than that of sound), give rise to shock waves. Shock waves are produced in nature during earth quakes and when lightning strikes. Shock waves can be produced by a sudden dissipation of mechanical energy in a medium enclosed in a small space.

Applications of shock waves

1. Cell information

2. Wood preservation

3. In pencil industry

4. Kidney stone treatment

5. Gas dynamic studies

6. Shock wave assisted needleless drug delivery

7. Treatment of dry borewells

8. For compaction of ceramic powders

9. In the design of engines, jets, rockets and turbines

10. In the design of ducts and pipes

11. In the treatment of bone fractures

Methods of creating shock waves in the laboratory using a shock tube

1.Using a Reddy shock tube

2. Detonation

3. Very high pressure gas cylinder

4. Combustion

5. Using small charge of explosives