Investigation of the initial stage of electrical explosion of fine metal wires

The results of an experimental investigation of the initial stage of the electrical explosion of thin metal wires are discussed. It is shown that energy deposition into the metal core depends on current rate and voltage polarity. The dependence of the expansion velocity and light emission on the atomization enthalpy of the metal is discussed. The light emission profiles demonstrate the micro conditions of the expanded wire core. Results of experiments for Al wire have been compared with 1D MHD simulations.