Dual-element directional shock wave attenuators

This study explores the interaction between shock waves and dual-element porous plates used to ameliorate the hazardous effects of these waves. Tests were performed in a shock tube to determine the effects that a pair of porous plates with directional resistance properties had on the initial peak pressure and impulse amelioration experienced by an end wall. Mild steel test specimens, ranging in porosity values from 6.6% to 41.1%, were mounted two at a time at different spacings in the test section. Each plate had directional properties, i.e. resistance to flow was different for flow coming from either side. Four plates were used, and 48 plate configurations were tested. Side wall and end wall pressure measurements and schlieren photographs were taken of the interactions. Tests were run at Mach numbers of 1.23, 1.35 and 1.42. The separation distances between the plate specimens were varied between 30 mm and 60 mm; however, the distance between the downstream plate and the end wall was kept constant at 140 mm for all tests.Both the initial peak pressure and impulse amelioration values were found to be dependant on the plate combination porosity. As the porosity of the combination increased, the amelioration values decreased. Complementary plate combinations produced differing results as different wave interactions occur when plate positions were interchanged. The porosity of the combined plates was found to have an overriding influence on the end wall peak pressure and impulse amelioration values when compared to the effect that plate arrangement (i.e. geometrical influences) had. Impulse amelioration values were found to increase as the separation distance between plates were increased. The amplitude of the end wall pressure trace was found to increase as the incident Mach number was increased. The significant attenuation of the incident shock wave obtained during this study is attributed to the system of multiple reflected and transmitted waves that are produced by the presence of the plate specimens in series. This increases the frequency of shock wave and barrier interactions, when compared to just using a single barrier.