Experimental investigation on the generation and propagation of thermo-acoustic waves induced by rapid heating of the metal sheet was carried out. This Study focuses on the temperature profiles, measurement of pressure wave induced by rapid heating of nickel sheet in open and confined spaces. The R-C (resistance-capacitance) heating devices and high-speed measurement systems are designed, and methodologies on measurement are established. Results show that the waves have sharp and weak pin profile in ail open space, but these waves have sharp front shape and decay with tail in the case of confined space. Results also show that the propagation velocity of thermo-acoustic Wave, that is estimated as Mach number (M), generated by rapid heating of nickel sheet, is located in the range of M = 0.99-1.04. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.