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Sedov-Taylor self-similar blastwave

What you are seeing: a strong point explosion releases energy EE into a uniform medium of density ρ1\rho_1. The blast wave expands self-similarly: R(t)=ξ0(Et2/ρ1)1/5R(t) = \xi_0 (E t^2 / \rho_1)^{1/5}. Post-shock density is exactly 4ρ14\rho_1 for γ=5/3\gamma = 5/3.

Figure 1. Blastwave radius vs time and density jump.
log10(E / erg)51.00
log10(n / cm⁻³)0.00

WHAT TO TRY

  • Vary each control and watch the rail readouts respond.
  • Compare the diagnostic plot against the live scene.