Segment V11.5: Blast Waves

(Related to Textbook Section 11.5.3 - Normal Shock Waves)

Blast waves are essentially moving shock waves. The pressure rise across the wave depends on the amount of energy released and the distance from the explosion.

The loud "bang" of a firecracker is a very weak shock wave (pressure rise on the order of only 0.00001 psi) that travels at the speed of sound. A nuclear bomb blast wave is extremely strong. Thousands of feet from the explosion the pressure rise across the blast wave can be hundreds of psi, causing massive damage to structures. Miles from the explosion a blast wave is seen racing across the water and ruffling the palm trees. (Video courtesy of the Department of Energy)