On peculiarities of the application of Lagrangian variables in problems of time-dependent supersonic flow past bodies

Abstract

The paper considers particularities in applying Lagrangian variables in problems of hypersonic flow past bodies. It is pointed out that, in problems with intense shock waves, it is advisable to introduce Lagrangian variables as the values of parameters that characterize a particle not on surface t = t0 (t0 = const) but on surface t = σ, where σ is the time instant at which the particle meets the surface of discontinuity. Considering examples of two-dimensional flow past two-dimensional and axisymmetric bodies moving with high time-dependent velocity, we show that the passage to Lagrangian variables enables us to obtain a system of equations describing the gas flow behind the front of an intense shock wave, which is suitable for the application of the thin-shock-layer flow method. A solution is constructed in the form of series in powers of a small parameter which characterizes the ratio of the gas densities at the front of the leading shock wave. We remark that all nonlinear effects of the problem are concentrated in the equation to determine the law of motion of a particle in zero-order approximation. The cases in which this equation can be integrated are pointed out. For the remaining unknowns, the solution is taken in quadratures. We study the rearrangement of the gas flow in the shock layer when the motion of the body is changed. The flow rearrangement zone is distinguished. Also, a condition to determine the life time of that region (the time of establishment of the new flow regime) is obtained. In a specific case of passing from a steady motion of a wedge to a uniformly accelerated motion, the time of establishment of the uniformly accelerated motion is determined from a quadratic equation.