Parameters of Pressure Waves in a Conical Shock Tube Taking into Account the Dynamics of the Membrane Rupture

A technique for studying the shock-wave and fragmentation action as a result of a vessel rupturing under pressure is developed and tested. The main element of this technique is a conical shock tube with the ruptured membrane simulating a collapsing shell. The relationship between the intensity of the generated shock waves and the type of opening of the membrane is revealed. It is shown that in the case of a rupture followed by the formation of fragments, part of the energy of the compressed gas is spent on the rupture of the membrane and acceleration of the fragments; thus, the absence of membrane fragments allows shock waves of greater intensity to be formed.

Automated summary

A technique for studying the shock-wave and fragmentation action resulting from vessel rupture under pressure has been developed and tested. The main component of this technique is a conical shock tube with a ruptured membrane simulating a collapsing shell. The study reveals the relationship between the intensity of generated shock waves and the type of membrane opening. It demonstrates that in cases of rupture followed by fragment formation, part of the compressed gas energy is expended on membrane rupture and fragment acceleration, hence, the absence of membrane fragments allows for the formation of more intense shock waves.