Experimental characteristics of oblique shock train upstream propagation

The structure and dynamics of an oblique shock train in a duct model are investigated experimentally in a hypersonic wind tunnel. Measurements of the pressure distribution in front of and across the oblique shock train have been taken and the dynamics of upstream propagation of the oblique shock train have been analyzed from the synchronized schlieren imaging with the dynamic pressure measurements. The formation and propagation of the oblique shock train are initiated by the throttling device at the downstream end of the duct model. Multiple reflected shocks, expansion fans and separated flow bubbles exist in the unthrottled flow, causing three adverse-pressure-gradient phases and three favorable-pressure-gradient phases upstream the oblique shock train. The leading edge of the oblique shock train propagates upstream, and translates to be asymmetric with the increase of backpressure. The upstream propagation rate of the oblique shock train increases rapidly when the leading edge of the oblique shock train encounters the separation bubble near the shock reflection point and the adverse-pressure-gradient phase, while the oblique shock train slow movement when the leading edge of the oblique shock train is in the favorable-pressure-gradient phase for unthrottled flow. The asymmetric flow pattern and oscillatory nature of the oblique shock train are observed throughout the whole upstream propagation process.