Component for manipulating input shock waves

Abstract

And means 5 for manipulating the input shock waves. A component (1) for manipulating an input shock wave (20). The component (1) comprises a body (3) comprising a first material. The body (3) defines a cavity (5) for manipulating an input shock wave (20) in order to produce a manipulated shock wave. The cavity (5) comprises an input (9) for receiving an input shock wave (20) incident on the component (1) and an output (11) for outputting a manipulated shock wave (10) from the cavity (5). The cavity (5) contains a second material (7) having an impact resistance lower than that of the first material.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a component for manipulating input shock waves, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for producing high local energy concentrations.

[0002] It has been shown in WO 2011 / 138622 that the interaction between the shock wave in the non-gaseous medium and the gaseous medium can generate a high-speed lateral jet of the non-gaseous medium moving through the gaseous medium. This causes the jet to hit and capture a certain volume of the gaseous medium (e.g., hit a target), thus generating a strong energy concentration in the gas.

[0003] The present invention seeks to provide an alternative technique for producing localized energy concentration.

[0004] Viewed from a first aspect, the present invention provides a component for manipulating an input shock wave, wherein the component comprises:

[0005] a body comprising a first material;

[0006] wherein the body defines a cavity for manipulating the input shock wave to produce a manipulated shock wave;

[0007] The cavity includes:

[0008] an input for receiving the input shock wave incident on the component; and an output for outputting the manipulated shock wave from the cavity;

[0009] and

[0010] The cavity contains a second material, and the impact impedance of the second material is lower than the impact impedance of the first material.

[0011] Thus, the present invention provides a component that manipulates a shock wave when a shock wave is input into the component. The component has a body shaped to define a cavity. The cavity has an input end (e.g., an orifice) designed to receive an (input) shock wave incident on the input end of the cavity. The cavity is designed (e.g., shaped) to manipulate the shock wave as it passes through the cavity. The cavity also has an output end (e.g., an orifice) designed to output the manipulated shock wave.

[0012] The body can have any suitable and desired size, such as determined by the specific application of the component. In one embodiment, the thickness, diameter and / or maximum dimension of the body (e.g., the cavity of the body) is between 0.1 mm and 100 mm, such as between 1 mm and 50 mm, such as between 2 mm and 10 mm, such as about 3 mm, 5 mm or 8 mm.

[0013] The body made of the first material defines a cavity within the body. Thus, the cavity (eg, a volume defined by and within the body) is preferably surrounded by the body (eg, except for the input and output terminals).

[0014] The body is formed by (comprises, e.g. consists of) a first material. The cavity contains (e.g. is at least partially filled with) a second material. The second material has a lower impact impedance than the first material. Thus, the cavity (the shape of the cavity) is defined by the body (e.g. the inner wall of the body) (formed by the first material), and the second material is located within the volume of the cavity. Preferably, the second material is located between the input end and the output end of the cavity. Thus, the body comprises a material having a higher impact impedance than the (second) material of the cavity (e.g. at least some of the cavity) or the impact impedance of the (second) material contained therein.

[0015] Thus, in embodiments, due to the difference in the impact impedance of the cavity (e.g., the shape of the cavity) and the first material and the second material, the component can be used to manipulate the input shock wave (e.g., modify its shape and / or strength). Thus, the (e.g., energy) intensity of the shock wave transmitted from the output end of the cavity can be greater than the (e.g., energy) intensity of the input shock wave received at the input end of the cavity.

[0016] In addition, for example due to the shape of the cavity and / or the presence of a second material within the cavity, the component can help manipulate the input shock wave in a manner that helps prevent or delay material ejection that occurs in the apparatus and method disclosed in WO 2011 / 138622. This can help, for example, amplify the input shock wave (e.g., focus the intensity of the input shock wave) before the input shock wave impacts the target, thereby helping to improve the focus of the energy generated by the impact.

[0017] Thus, the component may be used with the apparatus and method disclosed in WO 2011 / 138622, for example to amplify an input shock wave (eg, to focus the intensity of the input shock wave) and then use the amplified shock wave as an input shock wave for the apparatus and method disclosed in WO 2011 / 138622.

[0018] The body may comprise any suitable and desired shape (e.g., (inner) walls having such a shape) to define the cavity. Preferably, a dimension (e.g., a lateral dimension, in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction between the input end and the output end) of the body is (e.g., substantially, e.g., significantly) larger than a (e.g., lateral) dimension of the cavity. Thus, preferably, the walls of the body are thicker than one or more (e.g., all) of the dimensions of the cavity (e.g., its width (e.g., diameter) at its input end, e.g., its width (e.g., diameter) at its output end, e.g., its largest dimension). This helps to control the boundary conditions of the shock wave as it passes through the cavity.

[0019] In an embodiment, the body (and thus the cavity) is shaped such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the input end is larger than the (e.g. corresponding) cross-sectional area of ​​the output end. The cross-sectional area of ​​the input end and / or the output end may be defined in a plane substantially perpendicular to the direction between the input end and the output end, e.g. such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the input end is substantially parallel to the cross-sectional area of ​​the output end, e.g. the input orifice (the plane of the input orifice) is substantially parallel to the output orifice (the plane of the output orifice). The direction between the input end and the output end may be substantially parallel to the direction along which the input shock wave is arranged to propagate to be incident on the component in embodiments of the invention.

[0020] In an embodiment, the shape of the body (and therefore the cavity) may be configured such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the cavity in a plane substantially perpendicular to the direction between the input and output ends may decrease linearly or non-linearly. In an embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​the cavity may initially increase and then decrease when moving from the input end toward the output end. In an embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​the output end may be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the input end (e.g., the cavity may have a flared output end). Thus, for example, the cross-sectional area of ​​the cavity may initially decrease and then increase when moving from the input end toward the output end.

[0021] In an embodiment, the cavity (e.g. a segment of the cavity) comprises a frustum, e.g. the body is shaped to define a frustum-shaped cavity. Thus, preferably, a cross-section of the cavity (e.g. in a plane parallel to the direction between the input and output ends) comprises straight sides (walls), and, e.g., the cross-section is symmetrical (in this plane).

[0022] The frustum may comprise any suitable and desired type of frustum. In an embodiment, the cavity comprises a conical frustum. Thus, preferably, the cavity is rotationally symmetric about an axis passing through the cavity. Preferably, the axis of the body or cavity is parallel to the direction between the input end and the output end.

[0023] In embodiments, a cavity (a cross-section and / or a wall of the cavity) includes two or more segments (e.g., sub-cavities) that are at different respective angles to an axis of the cavity (e.g., an axis of rotational symmetry of the cavity, e.g., parallel to a direction between an input end and an output end). Thus, for example, a cavity may include two or more frustums (e.g., for each pair of successive frustums, an output end of one frustum coincides with an input end of another frustum), wherein the two or more frustums have sidewalls that are at different respective angles to the axis of the cavity. Arranging the cavity segments at different angles may help manipulate the input shock wave in a particular manner, e.g., to accelerate the input shock wave from the input end to the output end.

[0024] In embodiments where the cavity has three or more frustum segments, each segment may be at a different angle to each of the other segments; however, two or more of the segments may be at the same angle, with one or more intermediate segments of the cavity being at a different angle.

[0025] In embodiments, instead of or in addition to the cavity having one or more straight-sided segments (in cross-section), the cross-section of the cavity may have segments with one or more curved walls. For example, the cavity may include a trumpet-shaped (e.g., conical) frustum in which the cavity walls (e.g., elliptical) are curved. These types of shapes may help make the impact front and / or impact shape more uniform at the output end.

[0026] In an embodiment, the component comprises one or more impedance matching layers. The impedance matching layers help to couple energy between different material layers. The impedance matching layer may comprise a (middle) material layer arranged between two other (different) materials, wherein the impedance matching layer is formed by a material having an impulse impedance between the impulse impedances of the two other materials.

[0027] For example, a copper layer may be disposed between an aluminum layer and a tantalum layer.In an embodiment, the impedance matching layer may include multiple materials arranged in (eg parallel) layers such that the impulse impedance changes (eg stepwise) between the layers.

[0028] In an embodiment, the component includes an input impedance matching layer adjacent to (e.g., extending across) an input end of the cavity (e.g., an aperture of the input end). The input impedance matching layer helps improve the transmission of energy (e.g., from an incident projectile) into the second material by helping to reduce reflected components of the input shock wave (e.g., reflected from a surface of the second material). Thus, the input impedance matching layer can help couple the input shock wave into the cavity.

[0029] In an embodiment, the input impedance matching layer comprises a planar layer. The input impedance matching layer may comprise (e.g., consist of) a material having an impact impedance greater than that of the second material, e.g., less than that of the first material, e.g., an impact impedance between that of the first material and that of the second material.

[0030] In an embodiment, the impact impedance of the input impedance matching layer is between the impact impedance of (the material of) the impact projectile configured to generate an input shock wave (eg, when impacting the component) and the material of the second material.

[0031] In an embodiment, the component includes an output impedance matching layer adjacent to (e.g., extending across) an output end of the cavity (e.g., an aperture of the output end). The output impedance matching layer helps improve the transmission of energy from the cavity (e.g., the second material of the cavity) by helping to reduce a reflected component of the shock wave as it is output from the cavity (e.g., reflected from an output surface of the second material). Thus, the output impedance matching layer can help couple the input shock wave out of the cavity.

[0032] In an embodiment, the output impedance matching layer comprises a planar layer. The output impedance matching layer may comprise (e.g., consist of) a material having an impact impedance less than an impact impedance of the second material, e.g., an impact impedance greater than a material (e.g., fuel or target) on which the output shock wave will be incident, e.g., an impact impedance intermediate between an impact impedance of the second material and an impact impedance of a material (e.g., fuel or target) on which the output shock wave will be incident. In an embodiment, the output impedance layer comprises polymethylpentene, e.g., TPX (RTM).

[0033] In an embodiment, the cavity is partially filled with the second material, i.e., the second material does not (completely) fill the cavity. Thus, in an embodiment, the cavity comprises a gap between the input end of the cavity and (the input surface of) the second material. Depending on the size and / or shape of the incident projectile that may be used to generate the input shock wave, providing a gap between the input end (e.g., orifice) and the second material in the cavity may allow the projectile to directly impact the body of the component (e.g., a wall of the cavity of the body), e.g., and then impact the second material. This may generate a lateral shock wave within the projectile, which may then be transmitted into the cavity.

[0034] The lateral shock waves within the projectile can help to provide lateral focusing within the projectile. This in turn has the effect that the shock waves transmitted into the cavity are more focused towards the central axis of the cavity.

[0035] This is itself believed to be novel and inventive and therefore, viewed from another aspect, the invention provides a component for manipulating an input shock wave, wherein the component comprises:

[0036] a body comprising a first material;

[0037] wherein the body defines a cavity for manipulating the input shock wave to produce a manipulated shock wave;

[0038] The cavity includes:

[0039] an input for receiving the input shock wave incident on the component; and an output for outputting the manipulated shock wave from the cavity;

[0040] wherein the cavity contains a second material, the impact impedance of the second material being lower than the impact impedance of the first material; and

[0041] The cavity includes a gap between an input end of the cavity and an input surface of the second material.

[0042] It will be appreciated that this aspect may (and preferably does) include one or more (eg all) of the preferred and optional features disclosed herein, for example, where applicable, in relation to other aspects and embodiments of the invention.

[0043] The space between the input end of the cavity and (the input surface of) the second material can be filled with any suitable and desired material. In one embodiment, the space comprises a vacuum. In one embodiment, the space is filled with a gas. The gas may comprise any suitable and desired gas.

[0044] In an embodiment, the cavity houses a plurality of (e.g. parallel) layers, wherein one or more of the plurality of layers comprises (e.g. consists of) the second material. Preferably, the layers are parallel to an input end and / or an output end (e.g. an orifice) of the cavity, e.g. perpendicular to a direction between the input end and the output end. Thus, the layers are preferably perpendicular to a direction along which an input shock wave is arranged to propagate to be incident on the component.

[0045] Providing multiple layers helps to superimpose the components of the input shock wave reflected from the boundaries between the layers. This helps to amplify the intensity of the shock wave between the input and output ends of the cavity.

[0046] This is itself believed to be novel and inventive and therefore, viewed from another aspect, the invention provides a component for manipulating an input shock wave, wherein the component comprises:

[0047] a body comprising a first material;

[0048] wherein the body defines a cavity for manipulating the input shock wave to produce a manipulated shock wave;

[0049] The cavity includes:

[0050] an input end for receiving the input shock wave incident on the component;

[0051] an output end for outputting the manipulated shock wave from the cavity; and a plurality of (e.g., parallel) layers between the input end and the output end;

[0052] One or more layers among the plurality of layers include a second material, and the impact impedance of the second material is lower than the impact impedance of the first material.

[0053] It will be appreciated that this aspect may (and preferably does) include one or more (e.g. all) of the preferred and optional features disclosed herein, e.g., where applicable, in connection with other aspects and embodiments of the invention. Thus, for example, preferably, the layers are parallel to the input and / or output (e.g., orifice) of the cavity, e.g., perpendicular to the direction between the input and output. Preferably, the shape of the body is arranged such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the input is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the output.

[0054] In an embodiment, the plurality of layers comprises at least one first layer and at least one second layer. Preferably, at least one first layer comprises (e.g., consists of) a third material, and at least one second layer comprises (e.g., consists of) a second material. In an embodiment, the impact impedance of the third material is higher than the impact impedance of the second material.

[0055] In an embodiment, the plurality of layers comprises at least one third layer, wherein the at least one third layer comprises (e.g., consists of) a fourth material. In an embodiment, the impact impedance of the fourth material is higher than the impact impedance of the third material, and the impact impedance of the third material is higher than the impact impedance of the second material.

[0056] In an embodiment, the plurality of layers comprises a plurality of first layers, a plurality of second layers and a plurality of third layers. In an embodiment, the plurality of layers comprises a repeating pattern of the first layers, the second layers and the third layers.

[0057] In embodiments, the third material is the first material (the same material as the first material). Thus, in these embodiments, the plurality of layers includes at least one first layer and at least one second layer, wherein the at least one first layer includes (e.g., consists of) the first material and the at least one second layer includes (e.g., consists of) the second material.

[0058] In an embodiment, the second material may be a solid, a liquid or a gas.In an embodiment, one or more of the second layers is a vacuum.

[0059] In an embodiment, the plurality of layers comprises a plurality of first layers and / or a plurality of second layers. Preferably, the plurality of layers alternate between first layers and second layers, for example, a first layer (each of one or more of them) is adjacent to two second layers (sandwiched between the two second layers) and / or a second layer (each of one or more of them) is adjacent to two first layers (sandwiched between the two first layers).

[0060] In embodiments where the plurality of layers includes a plurality of first layers and / or a plurality of second layers, each of the first layers may include (e.g., consist of) the same (e.g., third) material and / or each of the second layers may include (e.g., consist of) the same (e.g., second) material. However, in some embodiments, one or more of the plurality of first layers may include (e.g., consist of) a material different from the third material, and / or one or more of the plurality of second layers may include (e.g., consist of) a material different from the second material.

[0061] In an embodiment, one or more of the first layer and / or the second layer comprises a composite layer, i.e., these layers (e.g., each) comprise a plurality of sub-layers. These sub-layers may be formed of different materials (e.g., different materials from other sub-layers and / or different materials from the second material and / or the third material).

[0062] The multiple layers may have any suitable and desired thickness (the dimension of the planes extending perpendicular to and parallel to the layers). For example, each of the multiple layers has the same thickness. In an embodiment, the multiple layers (e.g., each) have different thicknesses. In an embodiment where the multiple layers include at least one first layer and at least one second layer, preferably one or more (e.g., all) (e.g., each) of the at least one second layer has a thickness greater than one or more (e.g., all) (e.g., each) of the at least one first layer.

[0063] In embodiments where the plurality of layers comprises a plurality of first layers and / or a plurality of second layers, each of the plurality of first layers may have the same thickness and / or each of the plurality of second layers may have the same thickness, preferably wherein the thickness of the plurality of second layers (e.g. each) is greater than the thickness of the plurality of first layers (e.g. each). In embodiments, the thickness of the plurality of first layers varies between the first layers. In embodiments, the thickness of the plurality of second layers varies between the second layers. In embodiments, the thickness of the plurality of first layers decreases (e.g. gradually) from the input end to the output end. In embodiments, the thickness of the plurality of second layers decreases (e.g. gradually) from the input end to the output end.

[0064] In an embodiment, the second material may extend across (eg fill) (the width of) the cavity, ie in a direction perpendicular to the direction from the input to the output.

[0065] In an embodiment, when the cavity accommodates multiple layers, one or more (e.g., all) of these layers extend across (the width of) the cavity (i.e., in the plane of the layer, in a direction perpendicular to the direction from the input end to the output end). For example, one or more (e.g., all) of the first layers and / or one or more (e.g., all) of the second layers may extend across the cavity.

[0066] In an embodiment, the cavity comprises a gap between the second material and the body of the component, ie between the second material and the walls of the cavity.Thus, the second material may be spaced apart from the body of the component, ie from the walls of the cavity.

[0067] In embodiments, when the cavity accommodates a plurality of layers, one or more (e.g., all) of the layers are spaced apart from the body of the component, i.e., from the walls of the cavity. In embodiments, the cavity includes gaps between the plurality of layers and the body of the component, i.e., between the plurality of layers and the walls of the cavity. Thus, in these embodiments, all of the plurality of layers are spaced apart from the body of the component.

[0068] When the cavity includes a gap adjacent to the wall of the cavity, the gap may be filled with a vacuum (e.g., include or consist of a vacuum). In an embodiment, the gap includes a buffer layer adjacent to the wall of the cavity (e.g., including (e.g., consisting of) the fourth material). Thus, the cavity (the wall) may be lined with a buffer layer. Similarly, the fourth material may be located between the second material and the body of the component and / or between one or more of the plurality of layers and the body of the component.

[0069] The gap and / or the buffer layer may help reflect the shock wave from the cavity walls, thereby reducing coupling of the shock wave into the body of the component and instead focusing the shock wave towards an output end of the cavity, for example.

[0070] Preferably, the impact impedance of the fourth material is lower than the impact impedance of the first material. In an embodiment, the impact impedance of the fourth material is between the impact impedance of the first material and the impact impedance of the second material.

[0071] In an embodiment, the gap or the buffer layer has a constant thickness (in a direction perpendicular to the walls of the cavity). In an embodiment, the gap or the buffer layer has a variable thickness. For example, the thickness of the buffer layer may change (e.g., increase or decrease) from the input end to the output end of the cavity.

[0072] The various materials discussed herein (i.e., including the first material and the second material) may include any suitable and desired materials. In an embodiment, the first material includes a solid (e.g., is composed of a solid). In an embodiment, the first material includes a heavy (e.g., transition) metal (e.g., is composed of the metal), such as tantalum, platinum, steel, copper, or tungsten.

[0073] In an embodiment, the second material comprises a solid (e.g., consists of a solid). In an embodiment, the second material comprises a polymer (e.g., consists of a polymer), such as a thermopolymer, such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). In an embodiment, the second material comprises a liquid (e.g., consists of a liquid), such as water, ethanol or oil. In an embodiment where the plurality of layers comprises a plurality of second layers, one or more of the plurality of second layers may comprise a gas or a vacuum (e.g., consists of a gas or a vacuum).

[0074] In an embodiment, the cavity comprises a first sub-cavity and a second sub-cavity, the first sub-cavity and the second sub-cavity (each) being arranged between an input end of the cavity and an output end of the cavity, wherein the first sub-cavity comprises an input end and an output end, and the second sub-cavity comprises an input end and an output end, wherein the output end of the first sub-cavity is coupled to the input end of the second sub-cavity. Thus, the shape of the cavity can be configured to have two (or more) sub-cavities, wherein the first sub-cavity is arranged close to the input end of the cavity and the second sub-cavity is arranged close to the output end of the cavity.

[0075] This is itself believed to be novel and inventive and therefore, viewed from another aspect, the invention provides a component for manipulating an input shock wave, wherein the component comprises:

[0076] a body comprising a first material;

[0077] wherein the body defines a cavity for manipulating the input shock wave to produce a manipulated shock wave;

[0078] The cavity includes:

[0079] an input end for receiving the input shock wave incident on the component;

[0080] an output end for outputting the manipulated shock wave from the cavity;

[0081] A first sub-cavity and a second sub-cavity, wherein the first sub-cavity and the second sub-cavity are arranged between an input end of the cavity and an output end of the cavity;

[0082] Wherein, the first sub-cavity includes an input end and an output end, and the second sub-cavity includes an input end and an output end;

[0083] The output end of the first sub-cavity is connected to the input end of the second sub-cavity.

[0084] It will be appreciated that this aspect may (and preferably does) include one or more (eg all) of the preferred and optional features disclosed herein, for example, where applicable, in relation to other aspects and embodiments of the invention.

[0085] In an embodiment, the shape of the body is configured such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the output end of the first sub-cavity can be different (e.g., different size) from the cross-sectional area of ​​the input end of the second sub-cavity. For example, the cross-sectional area of ​​the output end of the first sub-cavity can be greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the input end of the second sub-cavity.

[0086] However, in a preferred embodiment, the shape of the body is configured so that the cross-sectional area of ​​the output end of the first sub-cavity is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the input end of the second sub-cavity. Shaping the cavity in this way to provide multiple sub-cavities helps to at least partially recapture the manipulated shock wave output from one (e.g., first) sub-cavity through the input end of the subsequent (e.g., second) sub-cavity. This can enable the shock wave to be further manipulated by (e.g., focused therein) the subsequent sub-cavity. This can help to reduce the energy of the input shock wave lost into the body of the component, thereby helping to increase the energy transmitted in the manipulated shock wave output from the cavity.

[0087] Preferably, the cross-sectional area of ​​the input end of the first sub-cavity is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the output end of the first sub-cavity. Preferably, the cross-sectional area of ​​the input end of the second sub-cavity is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the output end of the second sub-cavity. In this way, both sub-cavities have a cross-sectional area that decreases from the respective input end to the output end, wherein the cross-sectional area increases from the output end of the first sub-cavity to the input end of the second sub-cavity.

[0088] In an embodiment, the cavity includes a plurality of sub-cavities, wherein each sub-cavity includes an input end and an output end, wherein the output end of each sub-cavity (except the output end of the sub-cavity close to the output end of the cavity) is connected to the input end of a subsequent sub-cavity (in a direction from the input end to the output end of the cavity), and wherein the shape of the body is configured such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the output end of each sub-cavity (except the output end of the sub-cavity close to the output end of the cavity) is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the input end of the subsequent sub-cavity.

[0089] Therefore, preferably, the cavity has a plurality of connected sub-cavities from the input end of the cavity to the output end of the cavity along the direction between the input end of the cavity and the output end of the cavity. Preferably, the output end of each (e.g., first) sub-cavity completely overlaps (falls within the range of) the input end of the next (e.g., second) sub-cavity. Therefore, in an embodiment, the wall of the cavity includes a portion protruding inwardly to define (the input end and output end of) the sub-cavity.

[0090] In an embodiment, the cavity comprises a (e.g., first) layer between the first sub-cavity and the second sub-cavity, for example, the (e.g., first) layer extends across the output end of the first sub-cavity. When there are multiple sub-cavities, the cavity may comprise a first layer between (each pair of) adjacent sub-cavities. Separating the sub-cavities with a first layer may help to couple the shock waves between the sub-cavities.

[0091] Where applicable, the features outlined herein in relation to a cavity may be applied to (e.g. each) sub-cavity. In particular, one or more (e.g. all) of the sub-cavities may contain (e.g. be at least partially filled with) a material (e.g. a second material) having an impact impedance lower than that of the first material. When provided, the (e.g. first) layer may be formed of (e.g. include or consist of) a material (e.g. a first or third material) having an impact impedance higher than that of the (e.g. adjacent) sub-cavity (e.g. the second material).

[0092] Viewed from another aspect, the invention provides a component for manipulating an input shock wave, wherein the component comprises:

[0093] an input surface for receiving the input shock wave incident on the component;

[0094] an output surface for outputting the manipulated shock wave from the component; and

[0095] A plurality of (eg, parallel) layers are located between the input face and the output face.

[0096] It should be understood that this aspect may (preferably does) include one or more (e.g., all) of the preferred and optional features disclosed herein, e.g., where applicable, in connection with other aspects and embodiments of the invention. For example, one or more (e.g., all) of the preferred and optional features associated with the plurality of layers outlined herein may also apply to this aspect of the invention.

[0097] Viewed from another aspect, the invention provides a method of manipulating shock waves, the method comprising generating at least one shock wave to be incident on a component according to any aspect or embodiment described herein.

[0098] It will be appreciated that this aspect may (and preferably does) include one or more (e.g. all) of the preferred and optional features disclosed herein, e.g., where applicable, in relation to other aspects and embodiments of the invention. For example, preferably, the shock wave is arranged to be incident on the input end of the component (e.g., generated at the input end). Preferably, the shock wave comprises a plane shock wave. Preferably, the shock wave is arranged to propagate along a direction parallel to a direction between the input end and the output end of the component. Thus, preferably, the shock wave is arranged to be incident on the input end of the component (e.g., generated at the input end) in a plane parallel to the plane of the input end of the component (e.g., in the plane of the input end).

[0099] The component can manipulate the shock wave for any suitable and desired purpose. In some embodiments, the component includes a component for manipulating (e.g., amplifying) an input shock wave to (e.g., outputting a manipulated shock wave to) generate a local energy concentration for initiating a nuclear fusion reaction.

[0100] Viewed from another aspect, the present invention provides a system for generating localized energy concentration, the system comprising:

[0101] A component according to any one of the aspects or embodiments described herein; and

[0102] Means for generating at least one shock wave that propagates through the component.

[0103] It will be appreciated that this aspect may (and preferably does) include one or more (eg all) of the preferred and optional features disclosed herein, for example, where applicable, in relation to other aspects and embodiments of the invention.

[0104] In an embodiment, the mechanism for generating a shock wave comprises a mechanism configured to drive a projectile into the component.

[0105] In an embodiment, the mechanism for generating the shock wave comprises an explosive drive mechanism, such as an air gun, configured to drive a projectile into the component.

[0106] In an embodiment, the mechanism for generating the shock wave comprises an electromagnetic mechanism configured to drive the projectile into the component, such as a pulse dynamo magnetically driven flyer.

[0107] In an embodiment, the (e.g. electromagnetic) mechanism for generating shock waves comprises a direct drive mechanism configured to generate a Lorentz force in an electrode adjacent to the component. In such an embodiment, the Lorentz force generates a shock wave in the electrode, which is transmitted to the input end of the component.

[0108] In an embodiment, the mechanism for generating shock waves comprises a laser driven mechanism. The mechanism may include: an ablative layer adjacent to the input end of the component; and one or more lasers configured to ablate the ablative layer, thereby generating shock waves in the component. In an embodiment, the laser is incident directly on the ablative layer. In an embodiment, the laser is incident on the black body cavity surface, thereby generating x-rays that cover the ablative material and ablate it.

[0109] In addition, it should be appreciated that one or more (eg, all) of the embodiments described herein may, where applicable, be combined with one another (in any suitable combination) to provide further embodiments.

[0110] It should be understood that the term "shock impedance" as used herein is intended to mean "the pressure that must be applied to a medium in order to impart a unit particle velocity to some portion of the medium" (Henderson, "On the refraction of shock waves," Journal of Fluid Mechanics, Vol. 198, January 1989, pp. 365-386). It is equal to the product of the impact velocity and the density of the unimpeded material.

[0111] It will be appreciated that the input shock wave may be formed outside the cavity and propagate into the input end of the cavity, but may additionally or alternatively be generated in the component, for example by the component being impacted (e.g. by a projectile). Both alternatives are encompassed by the term "input shock wave".

[0112] Certain embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0113] Figure 1 Components according to one embodiment of the present invention are shown;

[0114] Figure 2 Shows the combination Figure 1 a system of components;

[0115] Figure 3a and Figure 3b The impedance matching layer is shown. Figure 1 A variation of the embodiment of;

[0116] Figures 4a to 4f shows the shock wave and Figure 3a Six successive stages of interaction of the components shown;

[0117] Figure 5 Shows Figure 1 A variation of the embodiment of;

[0118] Figure 6 shows components according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0119] Figure 7 Shown include Figure 1 Examples and Figure 6 Embodiments of the features of the components of the embodiments;

[0120] Figure 8 Shows Figure 7 A perspective cross-sectional view of a variant of an embodiment of;

[0121] Fig. 9 The vacuum layer is shown Figure 7 A variation of the embodiment of;

[0122] Fig.10 Shows Figure 7 A variation of the embodiment of;

[0123] Fig.11 Shows Figure 1 A variation of the embodiment of;

[0124] Fig.12 Shows Figure 7 A variation of the embodiment of;

[0125] Fig.13 Shows Figure 1 A variation of an embodiment of the invention.

[0126] The components used to create a localized energy concentration from an input shock wave will now be described.

[0127] Figure 1 A cross section of a component 1 according to one embodiment of the invention is shown. The component 1 comprises a body 3 defining a hollow frustum-shaped cavity 5. The body 3 is formed of a material having a high impact resistance. In an exemplary embodiment, the body 3 is formed of tantalum. The body may be formed of other materials, such as other heavy metals, such as tungsten, steel, copper or platinum.

[0128] The cavity 5 contains a material 7 having a low impact impedance. The impact impedance of the cavity filling material 7 is lower than the impact impedance of the body 3. In an exemplary embodiment, the cavity filling material 7 is polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA).

[0129] The cavity 5 has an input aperture 9 configured to receive a shock wave, and an output aperture 11 configured to output the shock wave after it has propagated through the component 1. The cross-sectional area of ​​the input aperture 9 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the output aperture 11.

[0130] Figure 1 The cross section of the component is shown in a plane containing the longitudinal axis of the component, which extends perpendicularly between the plane of the input orifice 9 and the plane of the output orifice 11. In the embodiment shown, the component 1 is rotationally symmetrical about the longitudinal axis. It will therefore be appreciated that the cavity 5 of the component 1 is shaped as a frustum of a cone with a greater radius at the input end than at the output end. The component 1 has an input face 10 close to the input end 9 of the cavity 5, and an output face 12 close to the output end 11 of the cavity 5.

[0131] Now refer to Figure 2 The operation of component 1 is explained. Input terminal 9 is configured to receive a shock wave. Figure 2In the embodiment shown, the shock wave is generated by impacting the input face 10 of the component 1 with a disc-shaped projectile 13. This impact generates a planar shock wave in the component 1, which is focused by the component 1 onto the target 15, thereby generating a local energy concentration at the location of the target 15.

[0132] Figure 3a An embodiment of a component 1 is shown having an impedance matching layer 17 disposed on the input face 10 of the component 1. The impedance matching layer 17 is a planar layer made of a material having an impact impedance between the impact impedance of the projectile 13 and the impact impedance of the cavity filling material 7. The impedance matching layer 17 improves the coupling efficiency into the component 1 so that a higher proportion of the energy input into the component 1 by the projectile 13 is transferred into the cavity filling material 7.

[0133] In an embodiment, the impedance matching layer 17 may be formed of a material having a variable impact impedance, such as a high impedance foam. The initial impact will encounter a relatively low impedance material, but will compress the foam so that subsequent impacts then encounter the compressed, and therefore high impedance, material. Such an impedance matching layer 17 may allow the use of low impedance projectiles 13, as the low impedance projectiles may effectively couple with the foam.

[0134] Figure 3b An embodiment of a component 1 is shown having both a first impedance matching layer 17 disposed on the input face 10 of the component 1 and a second impedance matching layer 19 disposed on the output face 12 of the component 1. The second impedance matching layer 19 is a planar layer made of a material having an impact impedance between the impact impedance of the cavity filling material 7 and the impact impedance of the target 15. In an embodiment, the second impedance matching layer 19 is formed of polymethylpentene, such as TPX (RTM).

[0135] Now refer to Figures 4a to 4e The operation of component 1 is further explained. Figures 4a to 4e shows the collision of projectile 13 Figure 4a Component 1 shown. Figure 4a The projectile 13 is shown impacting the impedance matching layer 17. Figure 4b and Figure 4c In the embodiment, the resulting shock wave 20 passes through the impedance matching layer 17 and enters the cavity filling material 7. By the reflection and superposition of the shock waves in the cavity 5, the pressure in the component 1 increases.

[0136] When input into the cavity 5, as Figure 4d As seen in FIG. 1 , the input shock is reflected from the cavity wall 6 as an irregular shock reflection (Mach reflection), which propagates inward from the cavity wall 6 and eventually Figure 4e and Figure 4fAs shown, the radially symmetric waves overlap on the central axis of the cavity 5. The overlap of the radially symmetric waves on the central axis creates a high pressure point in the cavity filling material 7, which expands and interacts with the impinging Mach reflection to generate an axial quasi-planar Mach rod that propagates toward the output end 11 of the cavity 5. The wave eventually reaches the output end 11 of the cavity 5 and is ejected from the component 1 at a higher pressure than the original input shock wave 20.

[0137] In the simulation, the Figure 1 The component of the embodiment achieves a pressure multiplication factor of 8.5, where the pressure of the input shock wave is 74 GPa and the pressure of the output shock wave is 630 GPa.

[0138] Figure 5 Shows Figure 1 A variant of the embodiment shown, in which the cavity 5 has the shape of a trumpet-shaped conical frustum, with an elliptically curved cavity wall 6. Apart from the cavity shape, the structure of the component 1 is as described above with respect to Figure 1 Such different shapes can change the output impact profile and impact state, but the basic function of the cavity 5 is the same as described above. Figures 4a to 4e described.

[0139] Figure 6 A component 101 according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. The component 101 includes a body 103 formed from a series of parallel layers. The layers include a low impact impedance layer 130 formed from a low impact impedance material (such as PMMA or epoxy) and a high impact impedance layer 132 formed from a high impact impedance material (such as tantalum, platinum, tungsten, steel, copper or other (e.g. heavy) metal. As a minimum requirement, the high impact impedance layer 132 is formed from a material having an impact impedance higher than the impact impedance of the material forming the low impact impedance layer. In a preferred embodiment, the impact impedance of the high impact impedance layer is high compared to the impact impedance of the low impact impedance layer, so that there is a large impact impedance difference at the boundary between the layers.

[0140] The parallel layers alternate layer by layer from low impact impedance layers 130 to high impact impedance layers 132. In the illustrated embodiment, the input layer 134 forming the input face 110 of the component 101 is a low impact impedance layer 130. This is because an input face 110 formed of a high impact impedance layer 132 will cause a larger portion of the shock wave to be reflected by the input face 110 and therefore not transmitted into the component 101. However, alternatives are contemplated, and an input face 110 formed of a high impact impedance layer 132 may help to better couple the shock into the component 101, as the shock impedance of the high impact impedance layer may be more similar to the shock impedance of the projectile 13 impacting the component.

[0141] In the illustrated embodiment, the high impact impedance layers 132 are each of equal thickness, while the low impact impedance layers gradually decrease in thickness from the input face 110 to the output face 112. However, in embodiments, the high impact impedance layers 132 may also gradually decrease in thickness from the input face 110 to the output face. It should be understood that while the thickness may vary between layers, each individual layer has a uniform thickness across its width.

[0142] The layers are arranged so that a shock wave generated at the input face 110 of the component 101 of the layer stack reverberates within the layer stack due to reflections from the boundary between the low impact impedance layer 130 and the high impact impedance layer 132, thereby creating regions of constructive and destructive interference as the shock waves pass each other. When a shock enters the high impact impedance layer 132 from the low impact impedance layer 130, a portion of the shock is transmitted into the high impact impedance layer 132, while a portion is reflected back into the low impact impedance layer 130.

[0143] The portion in the low impact impedance layer 130 is accelerated as it now travels through the pre-impact material, the impact portion is then reflected from the boundary at the input end of the low impact impedance layer, and since it has been accelerated, the reflected portion eventually catches up with the portion of the impact that was originally transmitted into the high impact impedance layer 132. Through the arrangement of the low impact impedance layer 130 and the high impact impedance layer 132, the component 101 can be arranged so that multiple impact portions are superimposed on the output face 112 of the component 101, thereby generating a transient high impact pressure state that can enter the target adjacent to the component output end 112.

[0144] In the illustrated embodiment, all high impact impedance layers 132 are formed of the same material, and all low impact impedance layers 130 are formed of the same material. In an embodiment, different low impact impedance layers 130 may use different low impact impedance materials, and different high impact impedance layers 132 may use different high impact impedance materials.

[0145] Figure 7 A component 201 according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown, the component comprising a Figure 1 Examples and Figure 6 The component 201 includes a body 203 defining a hollow conical frustum-shaped cavity 205. The body 203 is formed of a material having a high impact impedance. The cavity 205 contains a material 207 having a low impact impedance. The impact impedance of the cavity filling material 207 is lower than the impact impedance of the body 203. Within the cavity 205, a plurality of parallel high impact impedance layers 232 are provided.

[0146] In the illustrated embodiment, the high impact impedance layer 232 is formed as a plate spanning the cross-sectional area of ​​the component 201. Thus, the body 203 itself is formed of a plurality of layers, each defining a frustum-shaped subcavity 250. However, in an embodiment, the high impact impedance layer 232 may span only the cavity 205, so that the body 203 may be formed as a single piece. The cavity 205 has an input end 209 configured to receive a shock wave, and an output end 211 configured to output the shock wave after the shock wave has propagated through the component 201. The cross-sectional area of ​​the input end 209 is greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the output end 211.

[0147] Figure 7 A vertical cross section is shown, but in the illustrated embodiment, the component 201 is rotationally symmetrical. Therefore, it should be understood that the shape of the cavity 205 of the component 201 is set to be a conical frustum with a larger input end radius than the output end radius, as can be seen from Figure 8 This is more clearly seen in the perspective cutaway view of the variant of the embodiment shown. The component 201 itself has an input face 210 close to the input end 209 of the cavity 205 , and an output face 212 close to the output end 211 of the cavity 205 .

[0148] The cavity 205 is filled with a low impact impedance layer 230 formed of a low impact impedance cavity filling material 207 (PMMA in the illustrated embodiment), and a high impact impedance layer 232 formed of a plate of a high impact impedance material (tantalum in the illustrated embodiment). As a minimum requirement, the high impact impedance layer 232 is formed of a material having an impact impedance higher than the impact impedance of the material forming the low impact impedance layer 230.

[0149] The parallel layers alternate layer by layer from low impact impedance layer 230 to high impact impedance layer 232. In the illustrated embodiment, the input layer 234 forming the input face 210 of the component 201 is a low impact impedance layer 230. This is because the input face 210 formed by the high impact impedance layer 232 will cause a larger portion of the shock wave to be reflected by the input face 210 and therefore not transmitted into the component 201.

[0150] In the illustrated embodiment, the high impact impedance layers 232 are each of equal thickness, while the low impact impedance layers 230 decrease in thickness from the input face 210 to the output face 212. It should be understood that while the thickness may vary between layers, each individual layer has a uniform thickness across its width.

[0151] The integration of the focused shape of the frustum-shaped cavity 205 and the parallel layers 230, 232 creates a component design that has been shown to greatly increase the shock pressure at the output relative to the use of either feature alone. Shock reflections from the walls of the cavity 205 interact with axial shock reflections from the high shock impedance layer 232 to create local thermodynamically high pressure regions. These high pressure regions expand in the component 201 and interact with additional shock reflections downstream to create regions of higher shock pressure that are ultimately transmitted to the output 211 of the cavity 205.

[0152] When the impact enters the high impact impedance layer 232 from the low impact impedance layer 230, a portion of the impact is transmitted into the high impact impedance layer 232, while a portion is reflected back into the low impact impedance layer 230. The portion in the low impact impedance layer 230 is accelerated because it is now traveling through the pre-impact material, the impact portion is then reflected from the boundary at the input end of the low impact impedance layer 230, and because it has been accelerated, the reflected portion eventually catches up with the portion of the impact that was originally transmitted into the high impact impedance layer 232. The shock wave is also tangentially focused by the cavity wall 6.

[0153] The pressure of the impact at the output 211 and the uniformity of the impact state and shape can be controlled by configuring the parallel layer materials and thicknesses and the shape of the cavity 205. It should be understood that while the thickness may vary between layers, each individual layer has a uniform thickness across its width.

[0154] In addition to creating conditions for localized impact superposition and constructive interference, the parallel layers 230, 232 also serve to effectively slow the impact transmission time through the component 201. This allows more energy from the projectiles 13 to be collected and combined into a single impact state when ejected from the component 201.

[0155] Figure 8 Shows Figure 7 2 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a variation of an embodiment in which the thickness of the high impact impedance layer 232 also decreases from the input end 209 to the output end 211. Figure 8 The plate structure of component 201 is clearly shown.

[0156] Simulations and experiments have shown that for Figure 8 The component design of the embodiment of the invention can achieve a pressure multiplication factor of at least 15 for an input end radius / exit end radius ratio of about 8.9. For example, in the simulation, an output pressure of 1240 GPa was achieved with an input shock wave having a pressure of 83 GPa.

[0157] Fig. 9 Shows Figure 7A variation of the embodiment of wherein the layer 333 at the input end 309 is a vacuum. In embodiments, the layer 333 may not be a vacuum, but may instead contain a gas. The first non-vacuum filling layer 335 in the cavity 305 is preferably a low shock impedance layer 330, because the first non-vacuum filling layer 335 formed by the high shock impedance layer 332 will cause a larger portion of the shock wave to be reflected by the first non-vacuum filling layer 335 and therefore not transmitted to the rest of the component 301. However, alternatives are also contemplated.

[0158] exist Fig. 9 In the embodiment of FIG. 3 , the impacting projectile 13 directly impacts only the body 303 of the component 301. This generates axially converging shock reflections within the projectile 13, which are reflected into the cavity filling material 307 when the front face of the projectile 13 contacts the first non-vacuum filling layer 335. These transmitted-reflected shocks are then superimposed on the central axis within the cavity 305, thereby generating a high pressure state that expands toward the output end 311 as a Mach rod. Preferably, the projectile 13 is smaller than the cavity input end 309, so that the edge of the projectile first impacts the cavity wall 6. The function of the cavity 305 and subsequent parallel layers 330, 332 is as described above with respect to Figure 7 described.

[0159] In the simulation, the Fig. 9 The components of the embodiments have achieved a pressure multiplication factor of 5, where the pressure of the input shock wave is 140 GPa and the pressure of the output shock wave is 700 GPa.

[0160] Fig.10 Shows Figure 7 A variation of the embodiment in which the cavity 405 has a different shape. Figure 7 In the embodiment of FIG. 4 , the body 403 is formed of a plurality of layers, each layer defining a frustum-shaped sub-cavity 450 having an input end 4509 and an output end 4511. In the embodiment shown, each sub-cavity is a conical frustum, but other shapes are also contemplated. Fig.10 In the embodiment of the present invention, the cross-sectional area of ​​the input end 4509 of each sub-cavity 450 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the output end 4511 of the previous sub-cavity. In the conical frustum embodiment, this means that the radius of the input end 4509 of each sub-cavity is larger than the radius of the output end 4511 of the previous sub-cavity.

[0161] Fig.10 The component 401 shown is similar to the one described above. Figure 7The substantially same manner of operation is described, but the overlapping output end 4511 and input end 4509 enable the impact transmitted from the cavity filling material 407 of the sub-cavity 450 to the body 403 of the component 401 to be partially recaptured by the input end 4509 of the latter sub-cavity 450 and focused back into the cavity filling material 407 contained in that sub-cavity. This can reduce the amount of impact loss, thereby producing a more efficient component 401. Further, because the sub-cavities 450 are discrete, different sub-cavities 450 can have different characteristics, such as input end diameter, output end diameter, thickness, material, and sub-cavity wall angle. It should be understood that although the thickness can vary between layers, each individual layer has a uniform thickness across its width.

[0162] Fig.11 Shows Figure 1 A variation of the embodiment of the invention is shown in which the cavity wall 406 of the component 401 is coated with a barrier 421 having a surge impedance between that of the cavity filling material 407 and that of the body 403. In the illustrated embodiment, the barrier 421 is formed of aluminum, the cavity filling material 407 is PMMA, and the body 403 is formed of tantalum, but other materials are also contemplated. The thickness of the barrier 421 decreases from the cavity input end 409 to the cavity output end 411, but in other embodiments, the barrier 421 may have a uniform thickness. The barrier 421 may be formed as a frustoconical insert. The thickness of the barrier 421 is one order of magnitude smaller than the diameter of the cavity 405. Thus, the thickness of the barrier 421 is between 0.1 mm and 1 mm. The barrier 421 acts as a waveguide to direct the shock wave toward the cavity output end 411, rather than into the cavity wall 406.

[0163] Fig.12 Shows Figure 7 Component 501 includes a buffer 523 located between the edges of the parallel layers 530, 532 and the cavity wall 506. The buffer 523 is formed of a low density material such as PMMA or epoxy resin and can be formed of the same material as the low impact impedance layer 532. The buffer 523 can help reflect impacts from the cavity wall 506.

[0164] Fig.13 Shows Figure 1A variation of an embodiment of the invention. The cavity 805 of the component 801 houses a frustoconical element 827 formed of a plastic material such as PMMA or epoxy, which is separated from the cavity wall 806 by a vacuum gap 828. When the projectile 13 impacts the body 803 and the frustoconical element 827, the vacuum gap 828 closes due to the deformation of the body 803 and the frustoconical element 827. The closing of the vacuum gap 828 drives the impact into the element 827. Due to the higher density of the body, the impact travels faster in the body 803, so the body 803 can be pre-compressed by the impact. This pre-compression of the body increases its impact impedance, which helps to better focus the impact in the element 827 towards the cavity output end 811 because the impact will be reflected from the cavity wall 806.

[0165] While specific examples have been given, it will be appreciated that there are a large number of parameters that influence the actual results achieved.

[0166] In each of the above-described embodiments, the figures shown are vertical cross-sections of three-dimensional components, and thus they depict rotationally symmetrical embodiments. However, this is not essential to the invention.

[0167] It will be understood that the embodiments explicitly disclosed herein are intended to be exemplary, and that the skilled person will appreciate that the features of the embodiments disclosed herein may (except where mutually exclusive) be combined in combinations not explicitly mentioned to form new embodiments.

[0168] Embodiments of the present invention may be suitable for amplifying shock waves in order to generate conditions suitable for nuclear fusion. However, the present invention is not limited thereto and may be used for other applications, such as testing of safety equipment such as crash helmets. In a specific example, the present invention may be used to provide an impact shock wave for testing an impact force damping and dissipation structure as shown in US 10,653,193 B2.

[0169] Further, while the specific embodiments disclosed herein are configured to achieve a flat pressure pulse output, some applications may require different pulse shapes, and components according to the present invention may be configured (via their geometry, and the arrangement of any layers present) to provide output pressure pulses of different shapes.

Claims

1. A component for manipulating an input shock wave, wherein: The components include: a body comprising a first material; wherein the body defines a cavity for manipulating the input shock wave to produce a manipulated shock wave; Wherein, the cavity comprises: an input for receiving the input shock wave incident on the component; and an output for outputting the manipulated shock wave from the cavity; and The cavity contains a second material, and the impact impedance of the second material is lower than the impact impedance of the first material.

2. The component according to claim 1, wherein The shape of the body is configured such that a cross-sectional area of ​​the input end is larger than a cross-sectional area of ​​the output end.

3. A component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The cavity includes a frustum.

4. A component as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein: The cavity comprises a conical frustum.

5. A component as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein: The cavity includes two or more sections that make different respective angles with an axis of the cavity.

6. A component as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising one or more impedance matching layers.

7. The component according to claim 6, wherein The one or more impedance matching layers include an input impedance matching layer adjacent to an input end of the cavity, wherein the input impedance matching layer includes a planar layer made of a material having an impact impedance greater than an impact impedance of the second material.

8. A component according to claim 6 or 7, wherein: The one or more impedance matching layers include an output impedance matching layer adjacent to an output end of the cavity, the output impedance matching layer including a planar layer made of a material having an impact impedance less than an impact impedance of the second material.

9. A component as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein: The cavity is partially filled with the second material.

10. A component as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein The cavity houses a plurality of layers, wherein one or more of the plurality of layers comprises the second material.

11. The component according to claim 10, wherein The plurality of layers includes at least one first layer and at least one second layer, wherein the at least one first layer includes a third material and the at least one second layer includes the second material.

12. The component according to claim 11, wherein The impact impedance of the third material is higher than the impact impedance of the second material.

13. A component according to claim 11 or 12, wherein: The plurality of layers alternates between the at least one first layer and the at least one second layer.

14. A component as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein The cavity includes a first sub-cavity and a second sub-cavity, and the first sub-cavity and the second sub-cavity are arranged between the input end of the cavity and the output end of the cavity, wherein the first sub-cavity includes an input end and an output end, and the second sub-cavity includes an input end and an output end, wherein the output end of the first sub-cavity is connected to the input end of the second sub-cavity.

15. The component according to claim 14, wherein The shape of the body is configured such that a cross-sectional area of ​​an output end of the first sub-cavity is smaller than a cross-sectional area of ​​an input end of the second sub-cavity.

16. The component according to claim 15, wherein The cavity includes a plurality of sub-cavities, wherein each sub-cavity includes an input end and an output end, wherein the output end of each sub-cavity is connected to the input end of a subsequent sub-cavity, and wherein the shape of the body is configured so that the cross-sectional area of ​​the output end of each sub-cavity is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the input end of the subsequent sub-cavity.

17. A component according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein The cavity includes a layer between the first sub-cavity and the second sub-cavity.

18. A component for manipulating an input shock wave, wherein: The components include: a body comprising a first material; wherein the body defines a cavity for manipulating the input shock wave to produce a manipulated shock wave; Wherein, the cavity comprises: an input for receiving the input shock wave incident on the component; and an output for outputting the manipulated shock wave from the cavity; wherein the cavity contains a second material, the impact impedance of the second material is lower than the impact impedance of the first material; and The cavity includes a space between an input end of the cavity and an input surface of the second material.

19. A component for manipulating an input shock wave, wherein: The components include: a body comprising a first material; wherein the body defines a cavity for manipulating the input shock wave to produce a manipulated shock wave; Wherein, the cavity comprises: an input end for receiving the input shock wave incident on the component; an output for outputting the manipulated shock wave from the cavity; and a plurality of layers between the input and the output; One or more of the plurality of layers include a second material, and an impact impedance of the second material is lower than an impact impedance of the first material.

20. A component for manipulating an input shock wave, wherein: The components include: a body comprising a first material; wherein the body defines a cavity for manipulating the input shock wave to produce a manipulated shock wave; Wherein, the cavity comprises: an input end for receiving the input shock wave incident on the component; an output for outputting the manipulated shock wave from the cavity; a first sub-cavity and a second sub-cavity, wherein the first sub-cavity and the second sub-cavity are arranged between an input end of the cavity and an output end of the cavity; wherein the first sub-cavity includes an input end and an output end, and the second sub-cavity includes an input end and an output end; Wherein, the output end of the first sub-cavity is connected to the input end of the second sub-cavity.

21. A component for manipulating an input shock wave, wherein: The components include: an input surface for receiving the input shock wave incident on the component; an output surface for outputting the manipulated shock wave from the component; and A plurality of layers are located between the input face and the output face.

22. A method of manipulating shock waves, the method comprising generating at least one shock wave to be incident on a component as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.

23. A system for producing local energy concentration, the system comprising: A component as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 21; as well as Means for generating at least one shock wave that propagates through the component.

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