Introduction

Abstract

Progress in the field of exploding wires since the First Conference on the Exploding Wire Phenomenon in 1959 and the publication of Volume 1 of this series [1] can best be described as healthy growth. There have been no startling disclosures on the theoretical side, and no newly suggested application could be called a “breakthrough.” However, the study of exploding wires is developing into a recognized area of physics. It is no longer necessary to be apologetic about one’s work in this field, as it was only a few years ago. A review of this growth in four areas seems appropriate.