Evolution characteristics of shock wave in microsecond-scale underwater electrical wire explosion

The underwater electrical wire explosion (UEWE) is a physical phenomenon initiated by the rapid injection of electrical energy, triggering an explosive event. UEWE offers advantages in energy conversion efficiency, repeatability, and controllability, making it valuable in various industrial applications. Building upon established zero-dimensional (0D) and one-dimensional (1D) models, this paper proposes an enhanced 0D-1D coupled cold-start model to describe the plasma channel expansion and subsequent shock wave (SW) propagation characteristics. The model comprises two submodules: a 0D magnetohydrodynamics model that describes plasma channel boundary expansion during the explosion, and a 1D hydrodynamics model using an artificial viscosity algorithm to depict SW propagation. The constructed numerical model facilitates investigation of plasma characteristics, SW propagation behavior, and energy conversion efficiency throughout the UEWE process. Additionally, the influences of wire dimensions and discharge frequency on these characteristics were analyzed. The results indicate that SW propagation characteristics are primarily governed by thermal pressure variations within the wire and that different wire dimensions markedly affect SW amplitude, attenuation, and impulse. The efficiency of electrical-to-SW energy conversion remains relatively low; however, thicker and shorter wires can enhance SW amplitude and improve conversion efficiency. Higher discharge frequencies produce greater impact forces and impulses near the explosion site, while also improving energy conversion rates. This study offers a theoretical basis and technical guidance for prospective engineering applications.