Breakdown dynamics and instability of underwater metallic aerosol bubble atomized by electrical explosion

• DOI: 10.1063/5.0195716
• Publication Date: 2024-04-02T13:44:33Z
• Authors: Ruoyu Han; Wei Yuan; Yuchen Cao; Jie Bai; Menglei Wang; Yongming Wang; Liuxia Li
• Keywords: Dynamics

This study delves into the electrophysical processes and intricate fluid dynamics of an electrical-explosion-induced bubble in water. A fine copper wire is heated up exploded to dense metallic aerosol (vapor–drop mixture) via a μs-timescale 10 kA current pulse, crossing wide range density–temperature parametric space. High-speed photography along with discharge diagnostics reveals two modes for plasma development (restrike) inside explosion products: gas volume ionization. Experimental results indicate metal–insulator transition metal can easily throttle down circuit at moderate degree vaporization, resulting free-expanding presence quasi-direct axial electric field kV/cm level. After dozens μs, anode-directed, “ionization wave” observed bubble, propagating speed 3–10 km/s. Remarkably, adjustments permit observation cathode-directed development. Increasing charging voltage or diameter promotes overheating degree, accompanied by partial ionized striation electro-thermal instability. With sufficient high (ξ > 1), disappears restrike dominated