Shock focusing flow field simulated by a high-resolution numerical algorithm

Abstract

Shock-focusing concave reflector is a very simple and effective tool to obtain a high-pressure pulse wave near the physical focal point. In the past, many optical images were obtained through experimental studies. However, measurement of field variables is not easy because the phenomenon is of short duration and the magnitude of shock waves is varied from pulse to pulse due to poor reproducibility. Using a wave propagation algorithm and the Cartesian embedded boundary method, we have successfully obtained numerical schlieren images that resemble the experimental results. By the numerical results, various field variables, such as pressure, density and vorticity, become available for the better understanding and design of shock focusing devices.