An analytical model for creation and decay of strong shock waves caused by a trapezoidal laser pulse

An analytic hydrodynamic model for the formation and decay of strong shock waves (0.1–10 TPa) is derived in this paper by using self-consistent and well-defined assumptions. A trapezoidal pressure profile as a function of time applied to the target surface is used as the initial condition. This model permits the calculation of the pressure, velocity, and acceleration of the shock front, as well as the calculation of the pressure gradient immediately behind the shock front, as functions of time and position. This model is applied to laser-generated shock waves with maximum intensities of 5×1013 and 5×1014 W/cm2. Good agreement with previous computer simulations of solid–laser interaction is obtained.