Performance Evaluation of a Diaphragmless Shock Tube with Rapid Opening Valve Assisted by Magnetic Force

Abstract

This paper reports on the performance evaluation of a rapid opening valve assisted by magnetic force for a new diaphragmless shock tube. The movement direction of the piston valve in the driver section of the present device crosses the axis of a shock tube at right angles so that the piston valve is accelerated before the shock tube is opened. In addition, a permanent magnet installed in the high-pressure chamber increases the pressure difference between both sides of the piston valve. The opening time of the shock tube inlet and pressure variations in the shock tube are measured experimentally. Detailed driving process of the present device is investigated using a one-dimensional theoretical calculation. The experimental and computational results show that the opening time of the shock tube inlet can be shortened about 30% when magnetic force is applied to the piston valve. The theoretical results suggest that the performance of the driver section is under better condition.