A shock tube is a device used to study shock waves and their effects. It consists of a long, narrow tube filled with two different gases separated by a thin membrane. When the membrane is ruptured, a shock wave travels through the tube, allowing researchers to observe and measure the wave's properties. Shock tubes are commonly used in fields like aerodynamics and combustion research. They help scientists understand how shock waves interact with various materials and environments, which is essential for improving technologies such as rockets and explosives.