Investigation of the radiation of strong shock waves in inert gases over a broad spectral range

Measurements were made of the total radiation from shock wavefronts in Xe and Ar using fast-response pyroelectric radiation sensors sensitive over the wavelength range 40-1100 nm. The power sensitivity of the sensors was 0.000003 V-sq cm/W, and time resolution was 2/10 millionths sec. The brightness temperatures were also measured in the red and the violet. The waves travelled in shock tubes with inside diameters of 18-40 mm filled with inert gases. An explosive charge produced velocities of up to 9 km/sec. The radiant flux, brightness temperatures, and radiation temperatures of Xe and Ar were calculated as a function of the shock front velocity. Absorption coefficients were also calculated for the two gases, with the finding that the spectrum average for Xe is close to the violet absorption coefficient and a factor of 4.5 lower than the absorption coefficient in the red.