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shock wave
Also ˈshock-wave, ˈshockwave.
[f. shock n.3; cf. F. onde de choc (common in early 20th-cent. Fr. writings on fluid dynamics).]
a. A disturbance that travels through a fluid as a narrow region in which there is a large, abrupt change in pressure and related quantities, esp. one separating regions of subsonic and supersonic fluid flow such as is created by an object moving faster than sound or by an explosion; loosely, any pressure wave of large amplitude.
[1904Sci. Abstr. A. VII. 646 Quasi-waves of shock propagating a dilatation in accordance with Hugoniot's law.] 1907Chem. Abstr. I. 1470 The explosive wave is a shock wave accompanied by a decided combustion. 1931Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. XVII. 534 Let us regard a plane discontinuity or ‘shock wave’ from the point of view of the observer moving with it, so that the shock wave will appear to us stationary. 1945Times 8 Nov. 2/2 When the oncoming aeroplane is travelling at, say, 600 m.p.h. or more the steadiness of the air-flow over the wing then breaks down with the result that what is known as a shock-wave occurs at the thickest part of the wing. 1950Sci. News XV. Plate 5 (caption) The segmented appearance of the flame is due to the shock wave which is formed in the jet as it leaves the nozzle and which is reflected to and fro within the jet. 1958N. & Q. CCIII. 139/1 Aside from other factors in nuclear explosions, the shock-wave, or blast, is possibly the greatest source of danger. 1973C. Mason Hostage v. 65 The building was meanwhile hit by a shockwave so severe it felt like an earthquake. 1979Jrnl. R. Soc. Arts CXXVII. 403/1 A small explosive charge is detonated in the ground and the resulting shock waves picked up by sensitive microphones called geophones.
b. fig.
1969Harper's Mag. Dec. 125 The last writer who sent shock waves through Western literature. 1974I. Murdoch Sacred & Profane Love Machine 145 The shock wave had not yet really come... Awful grief and pain hovered somewhere near to her. 1979P. Harcourt Sleep of Spies i. iv. 56 The question caused shock waves round the room. |