This project deals with propagation of shock waves in liquids and liquid impact problems. Gener- ation, reflection and convergence of shock waves in confined chambers of various forms is investi- gated on the basis of Whitham`s non-linear theory of geometrical shock dynamics. This theory has been extended by a new theoretical and computational method, developed by Apazidis & Lesser (1996). The method can be applied to the propagation of shocks arbitrary in strength and form into a medium with no-homogeneous flow conditions. Calculations based on the new approach have been applied to the problems of shock reflec- tion and convergence in various types of confined chambers. It is shown that by an appropriate choice of the form of the reflector boundary one may obtain reflected shock waves having desirable shapes, for example a near-square shape. Also reflectors with parabolic geometry are considered. A cylindrical wave is generated at the focus of the parabolic cross-section. It is shown that con- trary to the linear case the reflected wave is no longer planar. Experimental investigations of shock focusing in a thin confined chamber with a reflector boundary in the form of a slightly perturbed circle have been carried out. Experimental results confirm the possibility of producing polygonally- shaped converging shocks. Technological and medical applications of the project may be found within the fields of shock wave propagation, shock induced collapse of cavities, erosion, disintegration of kidney and bladder stones by means of a shock wave attenuation in lithotriptor devices.
