Analytical investigation of reflection of a regular or mach reflection over a secondary wedge

This report analyses shock wave configurations which will occur when plane shock is incident on a double wedge for which the second wedge may have a greater (concave case) or smaller inclination (convex case) than the first wedge. It is shown that 7 different reflection processes may be expected depending on the Mach number of the incident shock M sub i and the two wedge angles theta sub w1 and theta sub w2. These processes may be defined by seven regions in the theta sub w1 and theta sub w2, plane, for a given value of m sub i. Each process was verified by sequences of shadowgraph and schlieren photographs. A shock polar analysis of each of the 7 processes provided information about the pressure changes and the wave structures which develop immediately behind the main reflections along the wedge surfaces. These wave structures were verified experimentally, and two types were observed: one normal to the reflecting surface, and the other in the form of a regular reflection. The criteria to determine which of these configurations will occur have not yet been established. It is believed that the present study will be of value in predicting the loading of shock waves on structures, and may lead to a better understanding of shock reflections from concave and convex cylindrical surfaces.