Internal shock structure and thermal response in the function of Exploding Bridgewire Detonators

We have recently shown that the input shock, subsequent initiation and detonation propagation in an Exploding Bridgewire (EBW) detonator exhibits complex internal structure and temporal behavior. Using flash radiography we have observed the prompt emanation of a relatively weak shock wave (3000 m/s) from the region of the bridgewire at the time of vaporization. Abel inversion of the images reveals a highly symmetric, hemishperical structure in the density that propagates through the initial pressing. Visible imaging of the cylindrical surface of the detonator reveals a luminous wavelike structure that appears radially symmetric but lacking the exact symmetry of the density feature. In this talk these structures will be directly compared spatially and temporally for a number of EBW detonators of different sizes and materials. The relationship between shock and detonation like features will be discussed in the context of the mechanism of function of EBW detonators and recent progress in modeling the chemistry of energy release in these applications.