An analysis is made of the flow within a three-dimensional explosion, or spark, created in a gas absorbing energy from a steady conical beam of radiation with nearly spherical symmetry. The radiation, typically from an array of lasers with a common focus, is assumed to be very intense, and absorbed immediately behind an outwardly advancing strong shock. The resulting self-similar flow has previously been studied for spherical symmetry; somewhat improved calculations for that case are presented here.

Departures of the laser power from spherical uniformity, which would result from practical problems of arrangement, are conveniently represented by an ascending series of Legendre polynomials in the polar angle. For non-uniformities of small amplitude, first-order perturbations of the flow field are analysed in detail. Self-similarity is shown to be retained, for zero counter-pressure and power constant with time.

For the first five harmonics in power distortion, the resulting fourth-order system of equations is solved numerically for profiles of velocity components, density and pressure, and for shock shape. Results are presented graphically. These solutions are singular near the focus, but are nevertheless fully determined. In the limit of large wavenumber, the core of the flow has vanishing tangential velocity and pressure perturbations, and hence the governing equations are only of second order, except presumably in a boundary layer appearing near the shock.

Study of the nonlinear case of large wavenumber along the axis of symmetry shows that the singularity at the focus reflects the existence of a ‘forbidden zone’ whose extent depends on the degree of asymmetry. It is argued that this zone is one within which diffusional processes must dominate.