
Shock tube
A shock tube is a scientific device used to study extremely rapid phenomena, such as high-pressure explosions or supersonic flows. It consists of a long, divided tube where one side contains high-pressure gases and the other side contains low-pressure gases. When a diaphragm separating the two is broken, a shock wave travels through the tube, allowing researchers to observe how materials and gases respond to sudden, intense compression and heat. This setup enables controlled, repeatable experiments critical for understanding explosive behavior, propulsion, and aerospace phenomena.