A Supersonic Underwater Discharge as a High-Power Ultrasound Source

A supersonic underwater discharge system, driven by a pulsed power generator with 235 ns voltage rise time, was developed to be used as powerful ultrasound source. The article presents details of the system's components and various diagnostic methods used, together main findings obtained during first experimental campaign. system generated peak pressure 184 kPa at 1-m distance, an efficiency energy conversion from electrical acoustic estimated 0.8%. profile found display resemblance radiation pattern dipole antenna. Using ultrahigh-speed camera, study interelectrode revealed prebreakdown streamer dynamics estimate for lifetime postbreakdown plasma column. way forward includes testing very high repetition rate.