Images of unstable Taylor-Sedov blast waves propagating through a uniform gas

We present images from the first observation and measurements of an instability in Taylor-Sedov blast waves propagating through a uniform background gas. The instability occurs when the adiabatic index of the background gas is low. Images of the expanding blast waves are dark field shadowgraphs obtained using a frequency-doubled (527 nm) pulsed YAG laser and black and white photographic film. The film images are digitized, and image processing routines are used for analysis and presentation.