blast wave

[/blɑːst weɪv/]
nounpl: blast waves
onda de choque
1. A powerful wave of air pressure and energy that spreads outward from an explosion or violent event at supersonic speeds
The blast wave from the explosion destroyed buildings several blocks away.
A onda de choque da explosão destruiu edifícios vários quarteirões de distância.
2. In physics, a transient pressure wave produced by a sudden release of energy
Scientists study blast waves to understand the dynamics of explosions.
Os cientistas estudam ondas de choque para entender a dinâmica das explosões.
3. The initial violent outward rush of gases and pressure following a detonation or impact
The blast wave knocked people off their feet within a mile radius.
A onda de choque derrubou pessoas a uma milha de raio.
The term 'blast wave' is primarily used in technical, scientific, military, and emergency response contexts in both the USA and Brazil. In Brazil, 'onda de choque' is the standard technical term used by firefighters, engineers, and military personnel. The concept became more widely known in Brazilian popular culture after major industrial accidents and natural disasters.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
shock wavepressure waveexplosion waveblast front

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
onda de choque
Most common and widely used term in Brazil
São Paulo
onda de choque
Standard usage in technical and scientific contexts
Rio de Janeiro
onda de choque
Standard usage, sometimes informally called 'sopro da explosão'
Portugal
onda de choque de explosão
Often uses the full phrase to specify the explosion context

Related Words

explosiondetonationshockwaveoverpressureconcussionimpact

Related Idioms & Phrases

sent shockwaves through the community
in the aftermath of the blast wave
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