Some More on Transition Between Regular and Mach Reflection of Shock Waves in Steady Flow (Invited)

Abstract

A theoretical and experimental investigation was conducted to elucidate the mechanism by which transition from regular to Mach reflection can be initiated in the dual-solution domain. The Ludwieg Tube at GALCIT was equipped with a new Mach 4 nozzle and with devices to enable starting the flow with a double-wedge model. The flow In the Ludwieg Tube is sufficiently quiet to permit regular reflection up to about half way into the dual-solution domain. A theoretical animate of the strength of disturbance required to cause transition was obtained in the form of a relation between energy deposited and location of deposition. Experiments confirmed the nature of this relation. Mach stem heights and growth rates were measured and compared with previous computational and theoretical results. The results of this work add to the evidence that Mach reflection is the stable reflection state in the dual-solution domain.

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