The influence of boundary layer growth on shock tube test times

TLDR: In this paper, a linearised solution of the unsteady one-dimensional conservation equations is obtained which describes the variations in the average flow properties external to the boundary layer, and a simple method of estimating shock tube test times is outlined, based on self similar solutions of the constant shock speed analysis.

Abstract: A theoretical and experimental investigation of the limitation on shock tube test times which is caused by the development of laminar and turbulent boundary layers behind the incident shock is presented. Two theoretical methods of predicting the test time have been developed. In the first a linearised solution of the unsteady one-dimensional conservation equations is obtained which describes the variations in the average flow properties external to the boundary layer. The boundary layer growth behind the shock is related to the actual extent of the hot flow and not, as in previous unsteady analyses, to its ideal extent. This new unsteady analysis is consequently not restricted to regions close to the diaphragm. Shock tube test times are determined from calculations of the perturbed shock and interface trajectories. In the second method a constant velocity shock is assumed and test times are determined by approximately satisfying only the condition of mass continuity between the shock and the interface. A critical comparison is made between this and previous theories which assume a constant velocity shock. Test times predicted by the constant shock speed theory are generally in agreement with those predicted by the unsteady theory, although the latter predicts a transient maximum test time in excess of the final asymptotic value. Shock tube test times have also been measured over a wide range of operating conditions and these measurements, supplemented by those reported elsewhere, are compared with the predictions of the theories; good agreement is generally obtained. Finally, a simple method of estimating shock tube test times is outlined, based on self similar solutions of the constant shock speed analysis.