Different from electric breakdown of liquids

exploding metal wires involves a series of complex phase transition processes

resulting in shock waves with higher energy transfer efficiency. The shock wave source based on wire explosions has been successfully applied in reservoir exploitation

and it also shows emerging prospects in geological exploration

mine and safety engineering

etc. This paper reviews the development and current research situation of wire explosion in liquids. The physics of phase transition

as well as the generation

diagnostics

influencing factors of the shock waves are presented. Meanwhile

the related applications in reservoir stimulation

basic physics

nano-material preparation

etc are introduced in detail. The key points and difficulties in future research are put forward in the aspects of fundamental research and industrial applications. Finally

a roadmap for the technology of exploding metal wires in liquids is summarized and proposed.