Alrighty here you go :)
Disclaimer: When accepting files from anyone, make sure you scan them with a good virus scanner.
URL:
http://mydigitalchaos.com/users/jfabiano/project-files/shockwave.zip
Notes:
1. the "wave" shape/size is controlled in "Shockwave Comp" - it's a simple mask on the image that's in the luma matte.
2. Apparently In that same comp there's a solid called "LUMA WAVE" - I thought I deleted that. It's irrelevant.
3. In "Shockwave Luma Matte" I added a control layer with slider controls. It's not required for the project, just makes it quicker to experiment. They affect the properties of the shockwave itself.
a. Shockwave Thickness: linked to "Luma Black -> Mask2:Shockwave Rear Mask" It's a proportional link to the mask "Shockwave Front Mask" - the expression is easy.
b. the feathers are linked to the mask feathers, match the names
c. The end keyframe of shockwave front mask controls the speed. increase it's mask expansion to make the shockwave move faster if desired.
4. Lastly, the shockwave "direction" is controlled by the mask position. Simply select both masks and move the mask to the corner you're firing it from. Will make sense when you see it. To set the shockwave begin/end points simply change its mask appropriately in "shockwave comp"
Further shockwave stuff can be done with trapcode particular or form I'm sure, even CC particle world, but I'm not that great with the particle engines yet so I can't be of much help there.
Oh yeah, the displacement map is on the picture in "Shockwave "comp" - play with its settings, you'll see the effects around the "beam".
Good luck to ya and hope this helps out.
-Jeremy
-------------------------------------------------
If you didn't supply enough information I will start making assumptions. I'm usually wrong when I assume.
-------------------------------------------------