The propagation characteristics of shockwaves produced by underwater pulsed current discharge (UPCD) and used in industrial applications have received considerable attention. However, the direct measurement of shockwave intensity is challenging, especially in the near-field area. The high electromagnetic field and strong mechanical impact in the near-field area may destroy the pressure sensor and digital recording terminal. The shockwave pressure is obtained based on the UPCD and Schlieren observation system. The calculation model of the shockwave is established based on the Tait and Rankine–Hugoniot equations; the pressure shockwave in the near field is obtained from the Schlieren images. The empirical model of the propagation characteristic of shockwave pressure induced by UPCD is obtained and verified through a comparison of the calculated and measured pressure intensities. The results show that the empirical model can be used to obtain the propagation characteristic of shockwaves induced by UPCD, including pressure in the near.

empirical model,propagation characteristic,shockwave,schlieren technique,underwater pulsed current discharge