Concentric spherical shock wave generated by a thermal wave. I

A numerical solution is proposed for the problem concerning the propagation of a concentric spherical shock wave produced by a subsonic thermal wave penetrating into a plasma ball at constant velocity. A simplified model is considered in which a plane wave is analyzed on the assumption of continuous pulse ablation of the mass of the external layer of the semispace occupied by the thermal wave front. Expressions are obtained for evaluating the distribution of the pressure, density, and velocity fields for the medium between wave fronts. A numerical analysis is presented regarding the influence of the velocity of propagation of the thermal wave on the distribution of the pressure, density, and velocity fields behind a shock wave front. Variations of pressure and velocity are discussed.