A mathematical analysis is carried out to model the series of processe
s following the occurrence of an electron avalanche in a liquid right
through to the emission of a pressure transient and the formation of a
bubble. The initial energy distribution is chosen to be Gaussian and
it is assumed that the electrical energy injected into the system is t
ransformed into thermal and mechanical components. From the mechanical
point of view, an outgoing spherical pressure transient is formed at
the edge of the plasma region, and at a later time a bubble is also fo
rmed. Theoretically, the pressure transient accounts for about 15% of
the total injected energy, while it is necessary to revert to experime
ntal results to fix the energy associated with the bubble (about 2%).
A minimum such value can, however, be estimated. The maximum pressure
amplitude is calculated. Concerning the thermal component of the energ
y, some is absorbed as internal energy by the liquid, while the remain
der is stocked as latent heat of vaporization. The maximum temperature
difference is derived as are the different energies as functions of t
he total injected energy. The advantage of this type of model is that
the gas/vapour temperature in the bubble can continue to rise after th
e phase change takes place. The maximum bubble size following a given
energy injection is calculated assuming an adiabatic expansion process
. A mathematical expression for the liquid flow induced by the outgoin
g pressure transient is also found. Comparison between experimental an
d theoretical results is particularly good.