Wire induced flashover as a source of shock waves for destruction of solid materials

Explosive wire induced surface flashover has been studied as a promising method for the destruction of solid materials. An experimental investigation of the electric parameters in this type of discharge was carried out in order to optimize fuse parameters for maximum efficiency energy transfer into the shock wave. The maximum energy input into the discharge is up to 90% of the energy stored in the capacitor bank compared to about 20% if conventional surface flashover in water is utilized. Pressure measurements with calibrated pressure transducers indicated an energy transformation efficiency into shock waves in water of 40-50% or about 90% in both solid and liquid media.