Non-Symmetry in the Shock Refraction at a Closed Interface as a Recovery Mechanism

Abstract

The possibility of a shock wave recovery at a discrete closed interface with a heated gas has been investigated. A two-dimensional model applied to conditions of optical discharges featuring spherical, elliptical, and drop-like configurations demonstrated that non-symmetry in the shock refraction contributes to the specific mechanism of recovery other than simply its compensation. Even though the full restoration of the hypersonic flow state does not occur in a strict sense of it, clear reverse changes toward the initial shape of the shock front eventually take place, thus creating an appearance of a full recovery seen in experiments. From analysis of different interface symmetries, the factors determining the recovery dynamics are identified. The results are directly applicable to the problem of energy deposition into a hypersonic flow; however, it can be useful anywhere else where the flow modifications following the interaction are important. The dimensionless form of the equations allows applications on any scale other than that demonstrated for the optical discharges.