räjähdysaalto

Räjähdysaalto, often translated as blast wave, is a phenomenon involving a rapid release of energy that creates a powerful, expanding pressure front. This pressure front propagates outwards from the source at supersonic speeds. The primary cause of a blast wave is an explosion, which can be chemical, nuclear, or even a very rapid physical event like a sonic boom.

The blast wave is characterized by a sudden and significant increase in pressure, followed by a rapid decrease below ambient pressure, creating a suction effect. This pressure fluctuation can cause widespread damage to structures and pose a significant hazard to life. The intensity of the blast wave diminishes with distance from the source due to factors like geometric expansion and atmospheric absorption.

Key parameters used to describe a blast wave include its peak overpressure, impulse, and duration. Peak overpressure refers to the maximum pressure above the ambient atmospheric pressure experienced at a given point. Impulse is the integral of the pressure over time, representing the total force applied. The duration is how long the elevated pressure lasts. Understanding these characteristics is crucial for designing protective structures and assessing the impact of explosions.