“Licorne” test in French Polynesia 1970, (France) (click on the image for a stunning large version)
This full-scale Schlieren image shows the discharge of a .44 Magnum revolver.
The basic optical Schlieren system uses light from a single collimated source shining on a target object. Variations in refractive index caused by density gradients in the fluid distort the collimated light beam. This distortion creates a spatial variation in the intensity of the light, which can be visualized directly with a system designed to capture shadows.
Two spherical shock waves are seen, one centered about the gun’s muzzle (the muzzle blast) and a second centered on the cylinder.
The supersonic bullet is visible at the far left.
You can see the bullet exiting out of the green balloon.
Interesting how the color of the first crayon is dominant on the bullet.
Ahh, things you can do with a fast shutter speed and a laser!
A laser worm:
How about skipping some virtual laser rope?
Frozen Smoke
Colliding Water.