Components for manipulating input shock waves

Abstract

A component (1) for manipulating an input shock wave (20) is provided. The component (1) includes a body (3) comprising a first material. The body (3) defines a cavity (5) for manipulating the input shock wave (20) to generate a manipulation shock wave. The cavity (5) includes an input portion (9) for receiving the input shock wave (20) incident on the component (1) and an output portion (11) for outputting the manipulation shock wave from the cavity (5). The cavity (5) contains a second material (7) having a shock impedance lower than the shock impedance of the first material.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to components for manipulating an input shock wave, and in particular to a method and apparatus for producing a high localized concentration of energy. [Background technology]

[0002] In Patent Document 1, it was shown that the interaction between shock waves of a non-gaseous medium and a gaseous medium can generate a high-velocity transverse jet of the non-gaseous medium moving through the gaseous medium, for example, causing the jet to impinge on and capture a volume of the gaseous medium against a target, which creates a strong concentration of energy within the gas. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2011 / 138622 Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention aims to provide an alternative technique for generating localized energy concentrations.

[0005] Viewed from a first aspect, the present invention provides a component for manipulating an input shock wave, the component comprising a body comprising a first material; the body defines a cavity for manipulating the input shock wave to generate a manipulated shock wave; The cavity is an input section that receives the input shock wave incident on the component; an output section that outputs the manipulation shock wave from the cavity; Equipped with The cavity contains a second material having a shock impedance lower than the shock impedance of the first material.

[0006] Accordingly, the present invention provides a component for manipulating shock waves when the shock waves are input to the component. The component has a body formed to define a cavity. The cavity has an input (e.g., opening) designed to receive an (input) shock wave incident on the input of the cavity. The cavity is designed (e.g., formed) to manipulate the shock wave as it passes through the cavity. The cavity also has an output (e.g., opening) designed to output the manipulated shock wave.

[0007] The body may have any suitable and desired dimensions, for example, as determined by the particular application of the component. In one embodiment, the body (e.g., its cavity) has a thickness, diameter, and / or maximum dimension of from 0.1 mm to 100 mm, e.g., from 1 mm to 50 mm, e.g., from 2 mm to 10 mm, e.g., about 3 mm, 5 mm, or 8 mm.

[0008] The body of the first material defines a cavity therein, and thus the cavity, e.g., the volume defined by the body within the body, is preferably surrounded by the body (e.g., other than the input and output portions).

[0009] The body is made of (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 shock impedance than the shock impedance of the first material. Thus, (the shape of) the cavity is defined by (e.g., its inner wall) the body (made of the first material), and the second material is located within the volume of the cavity. Preferably, the second material is between the input and output of the cavity. Thus, the body comprises a material having a higher shock impedance than the (second) material of (e.g., at least a part of) the cavity or the (second) material contained in (e.g., at least a part of) the cavity.

[0010] Thus, it should be appreciated that in embodiments, components can be used to manipulate (e.g., modify the shape and / or intensity of) an input shock wave due to differences in the shock impedance of the cavity (e.g., its shape) and the first and second materials. In this manner, a shock wave transmitted from an output of the cavity may have a greater intensity (e.g., energy) than the input shock wave received at the input of the cavity.

[0011] Additionally, the components may facilitate manipulating the input shock wave to help prevent or delay material jetting that occurs in the devices and methods disclosed in WO 2011 / 138622 due to, for example, the shape of the cavity and / or the presence of a second material within the cavity, which may facilitate amplifying the input shock wave before it is used to create an impact against a target, thereby increasing the concentration of energy generated by the impact.

[0012] Thus, the components may be used in the devices and methods disclosed in WO 2011 / 138622, for example, to amplify an input shock wave (e.g., focus its intensity) before the amplified shock wave is used as an input shock wave for the devices and methods disclosed in WO 2011 / 138622.

[0013] The body may have any suitable and desired shape (e.g., an (internal) wall having that shape) that defines the cavity. Preferably, the body has a dimension (e.g., a lateral dimension in a direction generally perpendicular to the direction between the input and output portions) that 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., the width (e.g., diameter) of the input portion, e.g., the width (e.g., diameter) of the output portion, e.g., the largest dimension). This makes it easier to control the boundary conditions of the shock wave as it passes through the cavity.

[0014] In embodiments, the body (and thus the cavity) is formed such that the input portion has a larger cross-sectional area than the (e.g., corresponding) cross-sectional area of ​​the output portion. The cross-sectional areas of the input and / or output portions may be defined in a plane that is generally perpendicular to a predetermined direction between the input and output portions, e.g., such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the input portion is generally parallel to the cross-sectional area of ​​the output portion, e.g., such that (the plane of) the input opening is generally parallel to (the plane of) the output opening. The direction between the input and output portions may, in embodiments of the invention, be generally parallel to a direction in which an input shock wave is arranged to propagate and impinge on the component.

[0015] In embodiments, the body (and thus the cavity) may be shaped such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the cavity in a plane generally perpendicular to the direction between the input and output may decrease linearly or non-linearly. In embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​the cavity may initially increase and then decrease when moving from the input to the output. In embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​the output may be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the input (e.g., the cavity may have a flared output). Thus, for example, the cross-sectional area of ​​the cavity may initially decrease and then increase when moving from the input to the output.

[0016] In an embodiment, the cavity (e.g., a portion thereof) comprises a frustum, e.g., the body is formed so as to define a frustum-shaped cavity, and thus preferably a cross-section of the cavity (e.g., in a plane parallel to the direction between the input and output) has straight sides (walls), e.g., the cross-section is symmetrical (in that plane).

[0017] The frustum may comprise any suitable and desired type of frustum. In an embodiment, the cavity comprises a truncated cone. Preferably, the cavity is therefore 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 and output portions.

[0018] In embodiments, (the cross section and / or wall of) the cavity comprises two or more portions (e.g., sub-cavities) each at a different angle relative to the axis of the cavity (e.g., an axis about which the cavity is rotationally symmetric, e.g., parallel to the direction between the input and output). Thus, for example, the cavity may comprise two or more frustums (e.g., for each pair of consecutive frustums, the output of one frustum coincides with the input of the other frustum), with the two or more frustums having sidewalls at different angles relative to the axis of the cavity. Providing different angles for the cavity portions may facilitate steering the input shock wave in a particular manner, for example accelerating the input shock wave from the input to the output.

[0019] In embodiments where the cavity has three or more frustum sections, each section may be at a different angle relative to each of the other sections, although two or more sections may be at the same angle with one or more intermediate sections of the cavity at a different angle.

[0020] In embodiments, instead of or in addition to a cavity having one or more straight lateral portions (in cross section), the cavity may have a cross section with one or more portions having curved walls. For example, the cavity may comprise a flared (e.g., conical) frustum, and the cavity walls are curved (e.g., elliptically). These types of shapes may tend to provide greater uniformity of the shock front and / or shock shape at the output.

[0021] In embodiments, the component comprises one or more impedance matching layers that facilitate coupling of energy between different layers of material. An impedance matching layer may comprise an (intermediate) layer of material disposed between two other (different) materials, the impedance matching layer being composed of a material that has an impact impedance that is between the impact impedances of the two other materials.

[0022] For example, a layer of copper may be provided between a layer of aluminum and a layer of tantalum. In embodiments, the impedance matching layer may comprise multiple materials arranged in (e.g., parallel) layers such that the shock impedance varies (e.g., incrementally) between the layers.

[0023] In embodiments, the component includes an input impedance matching layer adjacent to (e.g., extending across) the input of the cavity (e.g., its opening). The input impedance matching layer may facilitate improving the transfer of energy (e.g., from an incident projectile) into the second material, for example, by facilitating a reduction in the reflected component of the input shock wave from the surface of the second material. Thus, the input impedance matching layer may facilitate coupling of the input shock wave into the cavity.

[0024] 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 a shock impedance greater than the shock impedance of the second material, e.g., a material having a shock impedance lower than the first material, e.g., a material having a shock impedance between the shock impedances of the first and second materials.

[0025] In an embodiment, the shock impedance of the input impedance matching layer is between the shock impedance of (the material of) the impact projectile configured to generate the input shock wave (e.g., upon impact with the component) and the shock impedance of the second material.

[0026] In embodiments, the component includes an output impedance matching layer adjacent to (e.g., extending across) the output of the cavity (e.g., its opening). The output impedance matching layer facilitates improving the transfer of energy from the cavity (e.g., the second material) by, for example, facilitating a reduction in the reflected component of the shock wave as it exits the cavity from the output surface of the second material. Thus, the output impedance matching layer may facilitate coupling of the input shock wave outside the cavity.

[0027] 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 a shock impedance less than that of a second material, e.g., a material having a shock impedance greater than that of the material (e.g., fuel or target) on which the output shock wave is incident, e.g., a material having a shock impedance between the shock impedance of the second material and the shock impedance of the material (e.g., fuel or target) on which the output shock wave is incident. In an embodiment, the output impedance matching layer comprises polymethylpentene, e.g., TPX(RTM).

[0028] In embodiments, the cavity is partially filled with the second material, i.e., the second material does not (completely) fill the cavity. Thus, in embodiments, the cavity comprises a space between the input of the cavity and (the input face of) the second material. Depending on the size and / or shape of an incident projectile that may be used to generate the input shock wave, providing a gap in the cavity between the input (e.g., opening) and the second material may allow the projectile to, for example, directly impact the body of the component (e.g., the wall of its cavity) before impacting the second material. This may generate a transverse shock wave inside the projectile, which may then be transmitted into the cavity.

[0029] Transverse shock waves within the projectile may tend to impart transverse focusing within the projectile, which in turn has the effect of causing shock waves transmitted into the cavity to be more focused towards the central axis of the cavity.

[0030] This is regarded as novel and inventive in its own right and therefore viewed from a further aspect the present invention provides a component for manipulating an input shock wave, said component comprising a body comprising a first material; the body defines a cavity for manipulating the input shock wave to generate a manipulated shock wave; The cavity is an input section that receives the input shock wave incident on the component; an output section that outputs the manipulation shock wave from the cavity; Equipped with the cavity contains a second material having a shock impedance lower than the shock impedance of the first material; The cavity has a space between the input of the cavity and the input surface of the second material.

[0031] It should 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., as applicable with respect to other aspects and embodiments of the invention.

[0032] The space between the input of the cavity and (the input surface of) the second material may be filled with any suitable and desired material. In one embodiment, the space is a vacuum. In one embodiment, the space is filled with a gas. The gas may consist of any suitable and desired gas.

[0033] In an embodiment, the cavity contains multiple (e.g., parallel) layers, one or more of which comprise (e.g., consist of) the second material. Preferably, the layers are parallel to the input and / or output (e.g., opening) of the cavity, e.g., perpendicular to the direction between the input and output. Thus, the layers are preferably perpendicular to the direction in which an input shock wave is arranged to propagate incident on the component.

[0034] The presence of multiple layers facilitates the superposition of components of the input shock wave reflected from the boundaries between layers, which in turn facilitates amplification of the shock wave strength between the input and output sections of the cavity.

[0035] This is regarded as novel and inventive in its own right and therefore viewed from a further aspect the present invention provides a component for manipulating an input shock wave, said component comprising a body comprising a first material; the body defines a cavity for manipulating the input shock wave to generate a manipulated shock wave; The cavity is an input section that receives the input shock wave incident on the component; an output section that outputs the manipulation shock wave from the cavity; a plurality of layers between the input and output sections; Equipped with The plurality of layers includes one or more layers comprising a second material having a shock impedance lower than the shock impedance of the first material.

[0036] It should 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., as applicable with respect to other aspects and embodiments of the invention. Thus, for example, the layers are preferably parallel to the input and / or output (e.g., openings) of the cavity, e.g., perpendicular to the direction between the input and output. Preferably, the body is formed such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the input is greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the output.

[0037] In an embodiment, the plurality of layers comprises at least one first layer and at least one second layer. Preferably, the at least one first layer comprises (e.g., consists of) a third material and the at least one second layer comprises (e.g., consists of) a second material. In an embodiment, the third material has a higher shock impedance than the shock impedance of the second material.

[0038] In an embodiment, the plurality of layers includes at least one third layer, and the at least one third layer includes (e.g., consists of) a fourth material. In an embodiment, the fourth material has a higher impact impedance than the third material, which has a higher impact impedance than the second material.

[0039] In an embodiment, the plurality of layers comprises a plurality of first, second and third layers. In an embodiment, the plurality of layers comprises a repeating pattern of first, second and third layers.

[0040] In embodiments, the third material is (the same as) the first material. Thus, in these embodiments, the plurality of layers comprises at least one first layer and at least one second layer, wherein at least one first layer comprises (e.g., consists of) the first material and at least one second layer comprises (e.g., consists of) the second material.

[0041] In embodiments, the second material may be a solid, liquid, or gas. In embodiments, one or more of the second layers is a vacuum.

[0042] 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 alternates between first and second layers, e.g., (each of one or more) first layers is adjacent to (sandwiched between) two second layers and / or (each of one or more) second layers is adjacent to (sandwiched between) two first layers.

[0043] In embodiments in which the plurality of layers comprises a plurality of first layers and / or a plurality of second layers, each of the first layers may comprise (e.g., consist of) the same (e.g., third) material and / or each of the second layers may comprise (e.g., consist of) the same (e.g., second) material, although in some embodiments, one or more of the plurality of first layers may comprise (e.g., consist of) a material different from the third material and / or one or more of the plurality of second layers may comprise (e.g., consist of) a material different from the second material.

[0044] In embodiments, one or more of the first layers and / or one or more of the second layers comprise a compound layer, i.e., the layer (e.g., each thereof) comprises multiple sub-layers, which may be composed of different materials (e.g., different materials from the other sub-layers and / or different materials from the second and / or third materials).

[0045] The multiple layers can have any suitable and desired thickness (the dimension perpendicular to the plane in which the layers extend and are parallel). For example, each of the multiple layers has the same thickness. In embodiments, the multiple layers (e.g., each of them) have different thicknesses. In embodiments in which 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 that is greater than the thickness of one or more (e.g., all) (e.g., each) of the at least one first layer.

[0046] 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, and preferably, (e.g., each of) the plurality of second layers has a thickness greater than (e.g., each of) the thickness of the plurality of first layers. In embodiments, the thicknesses of the plurality of first layers vary among the first layers. In embodiments, the thicknesses of the plurality of second layers vary among the second layers. In embodiments, the thicknesses of the plurality of first layers decrease (e.g., gradually) from the input portion to the output portion. In embodiments, the thicknesses of the plurality of second layers decrease (e.g., gradually) from the input portion to the output portion.

[0047] In an embodiment, the second material may extend (fill) across (the width of) the cavity, ie in a direction perpendicular to the direction from the input to the output.

[0048] In an embodiment, when a cavity contains multiple layers, one or more (e.g., all) of the layers extend across (the width of) the cavity (i.e., in the plane of the layers in a direction perpendicular to the input-to-output direction). 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.

[0049] In an embodiment, the cavity comprises a gap between the second material and the body of the component, i.e., between the second material and the walls of the cavity, so that the second material can be spaced apart from the body of the component, i.e., from the walls of the cavity.

[0050] In embodiments, when the cavity contains multiple 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 a gap between the layers and the body of the component, i.e., between the layers and the walls of the cavity. Thus, in these embodiments, all of the layers are spaced apart from the body of the component.

[0051] If the cavity comprises a gap adjacent to the wall of the cavity, the gap may be filled with (e.g., be or consist of) a vacuum. In embodiments, the gap comprises a buffer layer (e.g., comprising (e.g., consisting of) a fourth material) adjacent to the wall of the cavity. Thus, (the wall of) the cavity may be juxtaposed to the 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 multiple layers and the body of the component.

[0052] The gap and / or buffer layer may cause the shock waves to tend to reflect off the cavity walls, reducing the coupling of the shock waves into the body of the component, for example, and instead concentrating the shock waves towards the output of the cavity.

[0053] Preferably, the fourth material has a shock impedance lower than the shock impedance of the first material. In an embodiment, the fourth material has a shock impedance between the shock impedances of the first material and the second material.

[0054] In embodiments, the gap or buffer layer has a constant thickness (perpendicular to the walls of the cavity). In embodiments, the gap or buffer layer has a variable thickness. For example, the thickness of the buffer layer may vary (e.g., increase or decrease) from the input to the output of the cavity.

[0055] The various materials described herein (i.e., first and second materials, etc.) can comprise any suitable and desired material. In embodiments, the first material is (e.g., consists of) a solid. In embodiments, the first material is (e.g., consists of) a heavy (e.g., transition) metal, such as tantalum, platinum, steel, copper, or tungsten.

[0056] In embodiments, the second material is a solid (e.g., consists of a solid). In embodiments, the second material is a polymer, such as a thermopolymer, such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) (e.g., consists of these polymers). In embodiments, the second material is a liquid, such as water, ethanol, or oil (e.g., consists of these). In embodiments where the plurality of layers comprises multiple second layers, one or more of the multiple second layers can be a gas or a vacuum (e.g., consists of a gas or a vacuum).

[0057] In an embodiment, the cavity comprises a first sub-cavity and a second sub-cavity (each) disposed between the input of the cavity and the output of the cavity, the first sub-cavity comprising an input and an output, the second sub-cavity comprising an input and an output, and the output of the first sub-cavity being coupled to the input of the second sub-cavity. Thus, a cavity may be formed having two (or more) sub-cavities, the first sub-cavity being disposed proximate the input of the cavity and the second sub-cavity being disposed proximate the output of the cavity.

[0058] This is regarded as novel and inventive in its own right and therefore viewed from a further aspect the present invention provides a component for manipulating an input shock wave, said component comprising a body comprising a first material; the body defines a cavity for manipulating the input shock wave to generate a manipulated shock wave; The cavity is an input section that receives the input shock wave incident on the component; an output section that outputs the manipulation shock wave from the cavity; a first sub-cavity and a second sub-cavity disposed between the input of the cavity and the output of the cavity; Equipped with the first sub-cavity has an input portion and an output portion, and the second sub-cavity has an input portion and an output portion; The output of the first sub-cavity is coupled to the input of the second sub-cavity.

[0059] It should 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., as applicable with respect to other aspects and embodiments of the invention.

[0060] In an embodiment, the body is formed such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the output of the first sub-cavity may be different (different size) than the cross-sectional area of ​​the input of the second sub-cavity, for example, the cross-sectional area of ​​the output of the first sub-cavity may be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the input of the second sub-cavity.

[0061] However, in a preferred embodiment, the body is formed such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the output of the first sub-cavity is less than the cross-sectional area of ​​the input of the second sub-cavity. Forming the cavity in this manner to provide multiple sub-cavities facilitates at least partial recapture of a manipulation shock wave output from one (e.g., a first) sub-cavity by the input of a subsequent (e.g., a second) sub-cavity. This may allow the shock wave to be further manipulated (e.g., focused) by the subsequent sub-cavity. This tends to reduce the energy of the input shock wave dissipated within the body of the component, and therefore tends to increase the energy transferred in the manipulation shock wave output from the cavities.

[0062] Preferably, the input of the first subcavity has a cross-sectional area greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the output of the first subcavity. Preferably, the input of the second subcavity has a cross-sectional area greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the output of the second subcavity. Thus, both of the subcavities have cross-sectional areas that decrease from their respective inputs to their outputs, and the cross-sectional area increases from the output of the first subcavity to the input of the second subcavity.

[0063] In an embodiment, the cavity comprises a plurality of sub-cavities, each sub-cavity having an input and an output, the output of each sub-cavity (away from the output of the sub-cavity proximal to the output of the cavity) being coupled to the input of a subsequent sub-cavity (in the direction from the input to the output of the cavity), and the body being formed such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the output of each sub-cavity (away from the output of the sub-cavity proximal to the output of the cavity) is less than the cross-sectional area of ​​the input of the subsequent sub-cavity.

[0064] Thus, preferably, the cavity has a plurality of connected sub-cavities along the direction from the cavity input to the cavity output. Preferably, the output of each (e.g., first) sub-cavity completely overlaps (enters) the input of the subsequent (e.g., second) sub-cavity. Thus, in an embodiment, the wall of the cavity comprises inwardly protruding portions that define the sub-cavities (inputs and outputs).

[0065] In an embodiment, the cavity includes a (e.g., first) layer between the first and second subcavities, e.g., the (e.g., first) layer extends across the output of the first subcavity. If there are multiple subcavities, the cavity may include a first layer between (e.g., each of) adjacent subcavities. Separating the subcavities with a first layer may facilitate shock wave coupling between the subcavities.

[0066] The features outlined herein with respect to the cavity may also apply to (e.g., each of) the sub-cavities, where applicable. 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 a shock impedance lower than the shock impedance of the first material. The (e.g., first) layer, if provided, may be composed of (e.g., comprise or consist of) a material (e.g., the first or third material) having a shock impedance higher than the shock impedance of the (e.g., adjacent) sub-cavity (e.g., the second material).

[0067] Viewed from a further aspect, the present invention provides a component for manipulating an input shock wave, the component comprising: an input surface for receiving the input shock wave incident on the component; an output surface for outputting the manipulation shock wave from the component; a plurality of layers between the input surface and the output surface; Equipped with.

[0068] It should be appreciated that this aspect may (and preferably does) include one or more (e.g., all) of the preferred and optional features disclosed herein, as applicable, for example, with respect to other aspects and embodiments of the invention. For example, one or more (e.g., all) of the preferred and optional features outlined herein with respect to multiple layers may equally apply to this aspect of the invention.

[0069] Viewed from a further aspect, the present invention provides a method of manipulating shock waves, the method comprising generating at least one shock wave incident on a component according to any one of the aspects or embodiments described herein.

[0070] It should be appreciated that this aspect may (and preferably does) include, where applicable, one or more (e.g., all) of the preferred and optional features disclosed herein with respect to other aspects and embodiments of the invention. For example, preferably, the shock wave is arranged to be incident on (e.g., generated at) the input of the component. Preferably, the shock wave comprises a planar shock wave. Preferably, the shock wave is arranged to propagate along a direction parallel to the direction between the input and output of the component. Thus, preferably, the shock wave is arranged to be incident on (e.g., generated at) the input of the component in a plane parallel to the plane of the input of the component (e.g., in the plane of the input).

[0071] The components may manipulate the shock waves for any suitable and desired use, hi some embodiments, the components comprise components for manipulating (e.g., amplifying) an input shock wave to generate (e.g., output manipulated shock waves) a localized concentration of energy to initiate a nuclear fusion reaction.

[0072] Viewed from a further aspect, the present invention provides a system for generating a localized concentration of energy, the system comprising: A component according to any one of the aspects or embodiments described herein; a mechanism for generating at least one shock wave that propagates through said component; Equipped with.

[0073] It should be appreciated that this aspect may, where applicable, include (and preferably include) one or more (e.g., all) of the preferred and optional features disclosed herein with respect to other aspects and embodiments of the invention.

[0074] In an embodiment, the mechanism for generating the shock wave comprises a mechanism configured to project a projectile into the component.

[0075] In an embodiment, the mechanism for generating the shock wave comprises an explosively powered mechanism, such as a gas gun, configured to fire a projectile into the component.

[0076] In an embodiment, the mechanism for generating the shock wave comprises an electromagnetic mechanism, such as a plate flyer magnetically driven by a pulsed power machine configured to drive the projectile into the component.

[0077] In embodiments, the shock wave generating (e.g., electromagnetic) mechanism comprises a direct drive mechanism configured to generate a Lorentz force in an electrode adjacent to the component, in such embodiments, the Lorentz force generates a shock wave in the electrode that is transmitted to the input of the component.

[0078] In embodiments, the mechanism for generating the shock wave comprises a laser-driven mechanism. The mechanism may comprise an ablator layer adjacent the input of the component and one or more lasers configured to ablate the ablator layer to form the shock wave in the component. In embodiments, the laser is incident directly on the ablator layer. In embodiments, the laser forms x-rays incident on the cavity surface that illuminate the ablator material and cause it to ablate.

[0079] Furthermore, it should be understood that one or more (e.g., all) of the embodiments described herein may, where applicable, be combined with each other (in any suitable combination) to provide further embodiments.

[0080] As used herein, the term "shock impedance" should be understood to mean "the pressure that must be exerted on a medium to give a portion of the medium a unit particle velocity" (Henderson, "On the refraction of shock waves," Journal of Fluid Mechanics, Vol. 198, January 1989, pp. 365-386), which is equal to the product of the shock velocity and the density of the non-shocked material.

[0081] It should be understood that the input shock wave may be formed outside the cavity and propagate into the input of the cavity, but may additionally or alternatively be generated within the component, for example, by the component being struck (e.g., by a projectile), both alternatives being encompassed by the term "input shock wave." [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0082] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates components according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 shows a system incorporating the components of FIG. 1. [Figure 3a] 2 shows a variation of the embodiment of FIG. 1 with an impedance matching layer. [Figure 3b] 2 shows a variation of the embodiment of FIG. 1 with an impedance matching layer. [Figure 4a] One of six successive stages of the interaction of a shock wave with the component shown in Figure 3a is shown. [Figure 4b] One of six successive stages of the interaction of a shock wave with the component shown in Figure 3a is shown. [Figure 4c] One of six successive stages of the interaction of a shock wave with the component shown in Figure 3a is shown. [Figure 4d] One of six successive stages of the interaction of a shock wave with the component shown in Figure 3a is shown. [Figure 4e] One of six successive stages of the interaction of a shock wave with the component shown in Figure 3a is shown. [Figure 4f] One of six successive stages of the interaction of a shock wave with the component shown in Figure 3a is shown. [Figure 5] 1. A modification of the embodiment of FIG. [Figure 6] 4 illustrates components according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 and 6. FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of a component having features of the embodiment of FIG. [Figure 8] 8 shows a perspective cutaway view of a variation of the embodiment of FIG. 7. [Figure 9] 8 shows a variation of the embodiment of FIG. 7 with a vacuum layer. [Figure 10] 8 shows a modification of the embodiment of FIG. [Figure 11] 1. A modification of the embodiment of FIG. [Figure 12] 8 shows a modification of the embodiment of FIG. [Figure 13] 1. A modification of the embodiment of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0083] Specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0084] Components for generating localized energy concentrations from an input shock wave are now described.

[0085] 1 shows a cross section through a component 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Component 1 comprises a body 3 defining a hollow, frustum-shaped cavity 5. Body 3 is constructed from a material having a high shock impedance. In an exemplary embodiment, body 3 is constructed from a frustum. The body may also be constructed from other materials, for example, other heavy metals such as tungsten, steel, copper, or platinum.

[0086] The cavity 5 contains a material (cavity filler) 7 having a low shock impedance. The cavity filler 7 has a lower shock impedance than the shock impedance of the body 3. In an exemplary embodiment, the cavity filler 7 is polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA).

[0087] The cavity 5 has an input opening 9 configured to receive the shock wave and an output opening 11 configured to output the shock wave after it propagates through the component 1. The cross-sectional area of ​​the input opening 9 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the output opening 11.

[0088] 1 shows a cross section through the component in a plane containing the longitudinal axis of the component. The longitudinal axis extends perpendicularly between the plane of the input aperture 9 and the plane of the output aperture 11. In the illustrated embodiment, the component 1 is rotationally symmetric about the longitudinal axis. It should therefore be understood that the cavity 5 of the component 1 is formed as a truncated cone with an input radius larger than the output radius. The component 1 has an input face 10 proximate the input 9 of the cavity 5 and an output face 12 proximate the output (output aperture) 11 of the cavity 5.

[0089] The operation of component 1 will now be described with reference to Figure 2. Input 9 is configured to receive a shock wave. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, this shock wave is generated by striking input face 10 of component 1 with a disc-shaped projectile 13. This strike generates a planar shock wave within component 1 that is focused by component 1 onto target 15, creating a localized concentration of energy at the location of target 15.

[0090] 3a shows an embodiment of component 1 having an impedance matching layer 17 disposed on input face 10 of component 1. Impedance matching layer 17 is a planar layer of material having an impact impedance between the impact impedance of projectile 13 and the impact impedance of cavity filler 7. Impedance matching layer 17 improves coupling efficiency into component 1 such that a greater percentage of the energy input into component 1 by projectile 13 is transferred to cavity filler 7.

[0091] In embodiments, the impedance matching layer 17 may be constructed of a material with a variable impact impedance, such as a high-impedance foam. The initial impact strikes a relatively low-impedance material, but then compresses the foam such that the aftermath strikes a compressed, higher-impedance material. Such an impedance matching layer 17 may enable the use of low-impedance projectiles 13, as low-impedance projectiles may bond effectively to the foam.

[0092] 3b shows an embodiment of component 1 having both a first impedance matching layer 17 disposed on input face 10 of component 1 and a second impedance matching layer 19 disposed on output face 12 of component 1. Second impedance matching layer 19 is a planar layer of material having an impact impedance between the impact impedance of cavity filler 7 and the impact impedance of target 15. In an embodiment, second impedance matching layer 19 is composed of polymethylpentene, for example TPX(RTM).

[0093] The operation of component 1 will now be further explained with reference to Figures 4a-4e. Figures 4a-4e show a projectile 13 striking component 1 shown in Figure 4a. Figure 4a shows projectile 13 striking impedance matching layer 17. In Figures 4b and 4c, the resulting shock wave 20 passes through impedance matching layer 17 and enters cavity filler 7. Pressure increases in component 1 through shock wave reflection and superposition within cavity 5.

[0094] Upon input into cavity 5, as can be seen in Figure 4d, the input shock reflects from cavity wall 6 as an irregular shock reflection (Mach reflection), which propagates from cavity wall 6 and eventually overlaps with the central axis of cavity 5, as shown in Figures 4e and 4f. This radially symmetric wave overlap with the central axis creates a high-pressure spot within cavity fill 7, which expands and interacts with the impinging Mach reflection, resulting in the generation of an axial quasi-planar Mach stem that propagates toward output 11 of cavity 5. This wave eventually reaches output 11 of cavity 5 and emerges from component 1 at a pressure higher than that of the original input shock wave 20.

[0095] In simulations, a component consistent with the embodiment of FIG. 1 achieved a pressure multiplication factor of 8.5, with an input shock wave having a pressure of 74 GPa and an output shock wave having a pressure of 630 GPa.

[0096] Figure 5 shows a variation of the embodiment shown in Figure 1, in which cavity 5 has a flared frusto-conical shape with elliptically curved cavity walls 6. Other than the cavity shape, the structure of component 1 is as described above in connection with Figure 1. This different shape may change the output impact profile and impact conditions, but the basic function of cavity 5 is as described above in connection with Figures 4a-4e.

[0097] 6 illustrates a component 101 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Component 101 comprises a body 103 constructed from a series of parallel layers. The layers include a low shock impedance layer 130 constructed from a low shock impedance material such as PMMA or epoxy, and a high shock impedance layer 132 constructed from a high shock impedance material such as tantalum, platinum, tungsten, steel, copper, or other (e.g., heavy) metal. As a minimum requirement, high shock impedance layer 132 is constructed from a material that has a higher shock impedance than the material that constructs the low shock impedance layer. In a preferred embodiment, the ratio of the shock impedance of the high shock impedance layer to the shock impedance of the low shock impedance layer is high so that there is a large shock impedance difference at the interface between the layers.

[0098] The parallel layers alternate layer by layer from low shock impedance layer 130 to high shock impedance layer 132. In the illustrated embodiment, the input layer 134 that constitutes the input face 110 of component 101 is the low shock impedance layer 130. This is because an input face 110 composed of high shock impedance layer 132 would result in a larger portion of the shock wave being reflected by the input face 110 and therefore not transmitted into component 101. However, alternatives are envisioned, where an input face 110 composed of high shock impedance layer 132 may better couple the shock into component 101 because the high shock impedance layer may have a shock impedance that is closer to the shock impedance of the projectile 13 striking the component.

[0099] In the illustrated embodiment, each of the high shock impedance layers 132 is of equal thickness, while the low shock impedance layers have a thickness that gradually decreases from the input face 110 to the output face 112. However, in embodiments, the thickness of the high shock impedance layers 132 may also gradually decrease from the input face 110 to the output face. It should be understood that although the thickness may vary between layers, each individual layer has a uniform thickness across its width.

[0100] The layers are arranged so that shock waves generated at the input face 110 of the stack component 101 reverberate within the stack as a result of reflections from the boundaries between the low shock impedance layer 130 and the high shock impedance layer 132, resulting in regions of constructive and destructive interference as the shock waves pass through each other. As a shock passes from the low shock impedance layer 130 to the high shock impedance layer 132, part of the shock is transmitted into the high shock impedance layer 132 while part is reflected back into the low shock impedance layer 130.

[0101] The portion of the shock in the low shock impedance layer 130 accelerates as it travels through the previously shocked material, and the shock portion is then reflected from the boundary at the input of the low shock impedance layer. Because of its acceleration, the reflected portion eventually catches up with the portion of the shock that was originally transmitted into the high shock impedance layer 132. The configuration of the low shock impedance layer 130 and the high shock impedance layer 132 allows the component 101 to be positioned such that multiple shock portions overlap on the output face 112 of the component 101, creating a brief high shock pressure condition that can be passed into a target adjacent the component output face 112.

[0102] In the illustrated embodiment, all of the high shock impedance layers 132 are composed of the same material, and all of the low shock impedance layers 130 are composed of the same material. In embodiments, different low shock impedance materials may be used for different low shock impedance layers 130, and different high shock impedance materials may be used for different high shock impedance layers 132.

[0103] Figure 7 shows a component 201 according to another embodiment of the present invention, incorporating features from both the embodiment of Figure 1 and the embodiment of Figure 6. The component 201 comprises a body 203 defining a hollow frusto-conical cavity 205. The body 203 is constructed from a material having a high shock impedance. The cavity 205 contains a material (cavity filler) 207 having a low shock impedance. The cavity filler 207 has a shock impedance lower than that of the body 203. Within the cavity 205 are a plurality of parallel high shock impedance layers 232.

[0104] In the illustrated embodiment, the high shock impedance layer 232 is configured as a plate that spans the cross-sectional area of ​​the component 201. Thus, the body 203 itself is composed of layers, each of which defines a frustum-shaped sub-cavity 250. Alternatively, in embodiments, the high shock impedance layer 232 may span only the cavity 205, such that the body 203 may be constructed as a single piece. The cavity 205 has an input portion 209 configured to receive a shock wave and an output portion 211 configured to output the shock wave after it has propagated through the component 201. The cross-sectional area of ​​the input portion 209 is greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the output portion 211.

[0105] Although Figure 7 shows a longitudinal cross section, in the illustrated embodiment, component 201 is rotationally symmetric. It should therefore be appreciated that cavity 205 of component 201 is formed as a truncated cone with an input radius that is larger than the output radius, as can be seen more clearly from the perspective cutaway view of a variation of the embodiment shown in Figure 8. Component 201 itself has an input face 210 proximate to the input 209 of cavity 205 and an output face 212 proximate to the output 211 of cavity 205.

[0106] The cavity 205 is filled with a low shock impedance layer 230 comprised of a low shock impedance cavity filler 207 (PMMA in the illustrated embodiment) and a high shock impedance layer 232 comprised of a plate of a high shock impedance material (tantalum in the illustrated embodiment). As a minimum requirement, the high shock impedance layer 232 is comprised of a material that has a higher shock impedance than the material comprising the low shock impedance layer 230.

[0107] The parallel layers alternate layer by layer from low shock impedance layer 230 to high shock impedance layer 232. In the illustrated embodiment, input layer 234, which comprises input face 210 of component 201, is low shock impedance layer 230. This is because input face 210 comprised of high shock impedance layer 232 will result in a larger portion of the shock wave being reflected by input face 210 and therefore not transmitted into component 201.

[0108] In the illustrated embodiment, each of the high shock impedance layers 232 is of equal thickness, while the low shock impedance layers 230 have a thickness that gradually decreases from the input face 210 to the output face 212. It should be understood that although the thickness may vary between layers, each individual layer has a uniform thickness across its width.

[0109] The integration of the converging geometry of the frustum-shaped cavity 205 with parallel layers 230, 232 results in a component design that has been shown to be capable of significantly increasing the shock pressure at the output beyond that of either feature individually. Shock reflections from the walls of the cavity 205 interact with axial shock reflections from the high shock impedance layer 232, creating regions of localized high thermodynamic pressure. These high pressure regions expand and interact with additional shock reflections downstream within the component 201, ultimately creating regions of even higher shock pressure through the output 211 of the cavity 205.

[0110] As the shock passes from the low shock impedance layer 230 into the high shock impedance layer 232, a portion of the shock is transmitted into the high shock impedance layer 232, while a portion is reflected back into the low shock impedance layer 230. This portion within the low shock impedance layer 230 accelerates as it travels through the previously shocked material, after which the shock portion is reflected from the boundary at the input of the low shock impedance layer 230. Because the reflected portion is now accelerated, it eventually catches up with the portion of the shock that was originally transmitted into the high shock impedance layer 232. The shock wave is also tangentially focused by the cavity wall 6.

[0111] Through the configuration of materials and thicknesses of the parallel layers and the shape of the cavity 205, it is possible to control the pressure of the impact at the output section 211 and the uniformity of the impact state and shape. It should be understood that although the thickness may vary between layers, each individual layer has a uniform thickness across its width.

[0112] In addition to creating the conditions for localized shock superposition and constructive interference, the parallel layers 230, 232 also act to effectively reduce the shock transit time through the component 201, thereby allowing energy from more projectiles 13 to be recovered and combined into a single shock state upon emerging from the component 201.

[0113] Figure 8 shows a cutaway perspective view of a variation of the embodiment of Figure 7, in which the thickness of the high shock impedance layer 232 also decreases from the input section 209 to the output section 211. Figure 8 clearly shows the plate structure of the component 201.

[0114] Simulations and experiments have shown that a pressure multiplication factor of at least 15 is achievable for an input radius / exit radius ratio of approximately 8.9 for a component design consistent with the embodiment of Figure 8. For example, simulations have achieved an output pressure of 1240 GPa for an input shock wave with a pressure of 83 GPa.

[0115] 9 illustrates a variation of the embodiment of FIG. 7, in which layer 333 at input section 309 is a vacuum. In embodiments, layer 333 may contain a gas rather than a vacuum. The first non-vacuum filled layer 335 in cavity 305 is preferably a low shock impedance layer 330. This is because a first non-vacuum filled layer 335 comprised of a high shock impedance layer 332 would cause a larger portion of the shock wave to be reflected by first non-vacuum filled layer 335 and not transmitted to the remainder of component 301. However, alternatives are contemplated.

[0116] In the embodiment of FIG. 9, the impacting projectile 13 only directly strikes the body 303 of the component 301. This leads to the generation of axially converging shock reflections within the projectile 13, which pass into the cavity filler 307 when the front face of the projectile 13 contacts the first non-vacuum packed layer 335. These transmitted reflected shocks then lead to the generation of a high-pressure state within the cavity 305 that converges on the central axis and expands as a Mach stem toward the output 311. The projectile 13 is preferably smaller than the cavity input 309 so that the edge of the projectile strikes the cavity wall 6 first. The function of the cavity 305 and subsequent parallel layers 330, 332 is as described above in connection with FIG. 7.

[0117] In simulations, a component consistent with the embodiment of FIG. 9 achieved a pressure multiplication factor of 5, with an input shock wave having a pressure of 140 GPa and an output shock wave having a pressure of 700 GPa.

[0118] Figure 10 shows a variation of the embodiment of Figure 7, in which the cavity 405 has a different shape. As in the embodiment of Figure 7, the body 403 is composed of multiple layers, each layer defining a frustum-shaped sub-cavity 450 having an input portion 4509 and an output portion 4511. In the embodiment shown, each sub-cavity is a truncated cone, although other shapes are contemplated. In the embodiment of Figure 10, the cross-sectional area of ​​the input portion 4509 of each sub-cavity 450 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the output portion 4511 of the preceding sub-cavity. This means that in the truncated cone embodiment, the radius of the input portion 4509 of each sub-cavity is larger than the radius of the output portion 4511 of the preceding sub-cavity.

[0119] The component 401 shown in FIG. 10 functions in substantially the same manner as described above in connection with FIG. 7 , except that the overlapping output portion 4511 and input portion 4509 allow impulses transmitted from the cavity filler 407 of a sub-cavity 450 into the body 403 of the component 401 to be partially recaptured by the input portion 4509 of the subsequent sub-cavity 450 and focused back onto the cavity filler 407 contained within that sub-cavity. This may result in a reduced amount of impulse losses and thus a higher efficiency of the component 401. Also, because the sub-cavities 450 are independent, different sub-cavities 450 may have different characteristics, such as different input and output diameters, thicknesses, materials, and sub-cavity wall angles. It should be understood that while thickness may vary between layers, each individual layer has a uniform thickness across its width.

[0120] FIG. 11 illustrates a variation of the embodiment of FIG. 1, in which the cavity wall 406 of the component 401 is coated with a barrier 421 having a shock impedance between that of the cavity filler 407 and that of the body 403. In the illustrated embodiment, the barrier 421 is made of aluminum, the cavity filler 407 is PMMA, and the body 403 is made of tantalum, although other materials are contemplated. The thickness of the barrier 421 decreases from the cavity input 409 to the cavity output 411, although in other embodiments, the barrier 421 may have a uniform thickness. The barrier 421 may be formed as a truncated cone-shaped insert. The barrier 421 has a thickness that is an order of magnitude smaller than the diameter of the cavity 405. Thus, the barrier 421 has a thickness between 0.1 mm and 1 mm. The barrier 421 acts as a waveguide, directing shock waves toward the cavity output 411 rather than the cavity wall 406.

[0121] Figure 12 shows a variation of the embodiment of Figure 7. Component 501 includes a buffer 523 between the edges of parallel layers 530, 532 and cavity wall 506. Buffer 523 is made of a low-density material such as PMMA or epoxy resin, and may be made of the same material as low-shock impedance layer 532. Buffer 523 may help reflect shocks from cavity wall 506.

[0122] FIG. 13 shows a variation of the embodiment of FIG. 1 . Cavity 805 of component 801 contains a frusto-conical element 827 constructed of a plastic material, such as PMMA or epoxy resin, separated from cavity wall 806 by a vacuum gap 828. When projectile 13 strikes body 803 and frusto-conical element 827, deformation of body 803 and frusto-conical element 827 closes vacuum gap 828. Closure of vacuum gap 828 imparts an impulse to element 827. Because the impulse can travel faster within body 803 due to its higher density, body 803 can be pre-compressed by the impulse. This pre-compression of the body increases its impulse impedance, and the impulse will be reflected from cavity wall 806, which helps better focus the impulse within element 827 toward cavity output 811.

[0123] While specific examples have been provided, it should be understood that there are many variables which will affect the actual results achieved.

[0124] In each of the above-described embodiments, the drawings are longitudinal cross-sections through three-dimensional components, so they illustrate rotationally symmetric embodiments, although this is not required by the invention.

[0125] It should be understood that the embodiments expressly disclosed herein are exemplary, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that features of the embodiments disclosed herein may be combined in combinations not expressly set forth to form new embodiments, except where mutually exclusive.

[0126] Embodiments of the present invention may be suitable for amplifying shock waves for the purpose of creating conditions suitable for nuclear fusion, although the present invention is not limited thereto and may also be used for other applications, such as testing safety equipment such as crash helmets. In one specific example, the present invention may be used to provide impact shock waves for testing impact force attenuation and diffusion structures as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 1,065,319.

[0127] Additionally, while the specific embodiments disclosed herein are configured to provide a flat pressure pulse output, certain applications may require different pulse shapes, and components of the present invention may be configured (depending on their geometry and the arrangement of any layers present) to provide differently shaped output pressure pulses.

Claims

1. A component for manipulating an input shock wave, comprising: a body comprising a first material; the body defines a cavity for manipulating the input shock wave to generate a manipulated shock wave; The cavity is an input section that receives the input shock wave incident on the component; an output section that outputs the manipulation shock wave from the cavity; Equipped with The cavity contains a second material having a lower shock impedance than the first material.

2. The component of claim 1 , wherein the body is formed such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the input portion is greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the output portion.

3. The component of claim 1 or 2, wherein the cavity comprises a frustum.

4. The component of claim 1 , wherein the cavity comprises a truncated cone.

5. 5. A component according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the cavity comprises two or more portions each at a different angle to the axis of the cavity.

6. 6. A component according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising one or more impedance matching layers.

7. 7. The component of claim 6, wherein the one or more impedance matching layers comprise an input impedance matching layer adjacent the input of the cavity, the input impedance matching layer comprising a planar layer of a material having an impact impedance greater than an impact impedance of the second material.

8. 8. The component of claim 6 or 7, wherein the one or more impedance matching layers comprises an output impedance matching layer adjacent the output of the cavity, the output impedance matching layer comprising a planar layer of material having a shock impedance less than the shock impedance of the second material.

9. 9. The component of claim 1, wherein the cavity is partially filled with the second material.

10. The component of claim 1 , wherein the cavity contains a plurality of layers, one or more of the plurality of layers comprising the second material.

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

12. The component of claim 11 , wherein the third material has a higher shock impedance than the shock impedance of the second material.

13. 13. The component of claim 11 or 12, wherein the plurality of layers alternate between the at least one first layer and the at least one second layer.

14. 14. The component of claim 1, wherein the cavity comprises a first sub-cavity and a second sub-cavity disposed between the input of the cavity and the output of the cavity, the first sub-cavity comprising an input and an output, the second sub-cavity comprising an input and an output, and the output of the first sub-cavity coupled to the input of the second sub-cavity.

15. The component of claim 14 , wherein the body is formed such that a cross-sectional area of ​​the output of the first sub-cavity is less than a cross-sectional area of ​​the input of the second sub-cavity.

16. 16. The component of claim 15, wherein the cavity comprises a plurality of sub-cavities, each sub-cavity having an input and an output, the output of each sub-cavity coupled to the input of a subsequent sub-cavity, and the body is shaped such that a cross-sectional area of ​​the output of each sub-cavity is less than a cross-sectional area of ​​the input of the subsequent sub-cavity.

17. 17. The component of claim 14, wherein the cavity comprises a layer between the first sub-cavity and the second sub-cavity.

18. A component for manipulating an input shock wave, comprising: a body comprising a first material; the body defines a cavity for manipulating the input shock wave to generate a manipulated shock wave; The cavity is an input section that receives the input shock wave incident on the component; an output section that outputs the manipulation shock wave from the cavity; Equipped with the cavity contains a second material having a shock impedance lower than the shock impedance of the first material; The component, wherein the cavity comprises a space between the input of the cavity and an input surface of the second material.

19. A component for manipulating an input shock wave, comprising: a body comprising a first material; the body defines a cavity for manipulating the input shock wave to generate a manipulated shock wave; The cavity is an input section that receives the input shock wave incident on the component; an output section that outputs the manipulation shock wave from the cavity; a plurality of layers between the input and output sections; Equipped with The component, wherein the plurality of layers comprises one or more layers comprising a second material having a lower impact impedance than the impact impedance of the first material.

20. A component for manipulating an input shock wave, comprising: a body comprising a first material; the body defines a cavity for manipulating the input shock wave to generate a manipulated shock wave; The cavity is an input section that receives the input shock wave incident on the component; an output section that outputs the manipulation shock wave from the cavity; a first sub-cavity and a second sub-cavity disposed between the input of the cavity and the output of the cavity; Equipped with the first sub-cavity having an input portion and an output portion, and the second sub-cavity having an input portion and an output portion; The output of the first sub-cavity is coupled to the input of the second sub-cavity.

21. A component for manipulating an input shock wave, comprising: an input surface for receiving the input shock wave incident on the component; an output surface for outputting a manipulation shock wave from the component; a plurality of layers between the input surface and the output surface; A component comprising:

22. 22. A method of manipulating shock waves, comprising the step of generating at least one shock wave incident on a component according to any one of claims 1 to 21.

23. 1. A system for generating a localized concentration of energy, comprising: A component according to any one of claims 1 to 21; a mechanism for generating at least one shock wave that propagates through the component; A system comprising:

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