Streak camera and oscillographic circuit‐damping data are presented for exploded copper wires varying in diameter from 3 to 8 mils. A maximum of specific shock‐wave energy in the induced flow is found at a wire diameter different from that of a minimum in the total damping time of the circuit. This displacement is shown to be caused by the presence of residual circuit resistance. The proof is based on a critical analysis of optimum damping conditions in the exploding wire circuit. A maximum of apparent energy within the contact surface appears at about the same wire diameter as the minimum of total damping time. Discussion of the implications of the Taylor‐Lin similarity theory indicates that lack of similarity of the flow is probably connected with the displacement of the maximum energies associated with shock‐wave and contact surface.