Comparison of electrical explosions of Cu and Al wires in water and glycerol

The results of experiments on single Cu and Al wire electrical explosions with a current density of ∼108 A/cm2 in water and glycerol on ns- and μs-timescales are presented. Framing and streak images of the exploding wires and generated shock waves were used for the analysis of the possible contribution of Al and glycerol combustion to the shock wave velocity and pressure behind its front. It was shown that on nanosecond and microsecond timescales of wire explosions, one obtains Al and glycerol combustion. However, Al combustion does not contribute to the velocity of the generated shock wave because of a relatively slow rate of energy density deposition into the water flow. Nevertheless, electrical explosion of Al and Cu wires in glycerol showed a significant increase in the generated shock wave velocity and consequently in the pressure behind its front as a result of glycerol's higher density and combustion.