A Study on Shock Tube Flow with Energy Loss at the Diaphragm Section

Abstract

A shock tube theory is developed by considering the energy loss at the diaphragm section. By using the theory, a shock tube flow with a finite diaphragm opening time can be obtained. From the calculated results, it is found that a transitional and complex flow exists behind the leading shock wave. After that, the maximum shock Mach number is attained. The maximum shock Mach number calculated by the theory is larger than that by simple theory when the diaphragm pressure ratio is high enough. However, the maximum shock Mach number which can be obtained in experiments is limited by the diaphragm opening time and the tube length of the lower pressure side. The theory is validated in comparison with the experimental data from reference.