Shock-tube simulation experiment of supersonic condensation flow accompanying a shock wave

A simulation experiment of the supersonic condensation flow accompanying a shock wave is conducted with a shock tube. The tube, which is driven by a fast-acting valve, makes it possible to take a series of shadowgraphs at any moment desired. The reflected shock speed decreases in the face of greater suction or smaller contraction of the end wall and eventually becomes stationary. It is found that this critical condition of stationary reflected shock is well predicted by the simple wave theory. If the suction increases significantly, the shock is swallowed into the end wall. These processes are also similar to those of wave propagation in a supersonic nozzle having varying contraction of the diffuser.