Pressure Wave from Rapid Balloon Expansion

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on modeling the pressure wave generated by the rapid inflation of a balloon, particularly when the air temperature inside increases faster than the pressure can equilibrate with the outside. The user seeks methods to calculate the frequency power spectra of this pressure wave and considers approaches such as determining the velocity of the balloon membrane and using the pressure wave Green's function. There is a suggestion that the phenomenon resembles a shock wave, prompting a search for simpler solutions. The user, primarily experienced in optics, expresses a need for references and guidance in this area. The conversation highlights the complexity of the physics involved and the desire for practical modeling techniques.
firedancer414
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Hello physics forum,

I'm interested in modeling the pressure wave created due to the rapid inflation of a balloon. Say I'm able to rapidly increase the temperature of the air in a balloon, faster than it can equilibrate its pressure with the outside air. It will expand to satisfy PV = T, and radiate a pressure wave. I'm interested in calculating the frequency power spectra of this pressure wave.

What is the best way to solve for this? One way I can think of is to solve for the velocity of the balloon membrane as it expands, but I'm not sure how I would calculate the membrane velocity. I also thought that I might just be able to use the pressure wave Green's function, and integrate that over the volume of increased pressure.

Please help! Thanks =)
 
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Upon further reflection, this bears resemblance to a shock wave. With this context in mind, is there some simple solution?

I work primarily with optics, I feel like a fish out of water! References, anything would be much appreciated =)
 
Read about Fermi's measurement of the Trinity Site blast in
http://www.cfo.doe.gov/me70/manhattan/trinity.htm
"Probably the most mundane response of all was Fermi's: he had calculated ahead of time how far the blast wave might displace small pieces of paper released into it. About 40 seconds after the explosion, Fermi stood, sprinkled his pre-prepared slips of paper into the atomic wind, and estimated from their deflection that the test had released energy equivalent to 10,000 tons of TNT. "
fermi was about 10,000 meters away.
 
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