Computational confirmation of an abnormal Mach reflection wave configuration

Abstract

For the Mach reflection (MR) of symmetric shock waves of opposite families, only the wave configuration of an overall Mach reflection (oMR) consisting of two direct Mach reflections (DiMR+DiMR) is theoretically admissible. For asymmetric shock waves, an oMR composed of a DiMR and an inverse Mach reflection (InMR) is possible if the two slip layers assemble a converging-diverging stream tube, while an oMR including two inverse Mach reflections (InMR+InMR) is absolutely impossible. In this paper, an overall Mach reflection configuration with double inverse MR patterns is computationally confirmed using the computational fluid dynamics technique. The aerodynamic mechanism behind such an abnormal wave pattern is illustrated. Classical two- and three-shock theories are also applied for the theoretical analysis.