Concepts of Shock Waves

Abstract

In this chapter, we develop the classical theory of shock waves in condensed media. A demonstration of Rankine-Hugoniot equations is presented and we study the respective position of Hugoniot, isentropic curves and Rayleigh line in (P,V) plane. Some experimental results are given for metals and geologic materials (relation shock velocity vs. particule velocity). We present the hydrodynamic attenuation (attenuation by release waves). We analyse the transmission of shock between two media and the planar impact against a massive target at the rest; numerical applications are given. In the last part of this paper, we give some indications about the equation of state of condensed materials and the calculus of temperature reached in a shock wave; numerical applications are made.