The impingement of underexpanded axisymmetric jets on wedges

Abstract

This paper reports an experimental investigation into the impingement of underexpanded axisymmetric jets on each of three wedges arranged symmetrically in the jets. Three jets were used; two were produced by a convergent-divergent nozzle of exit Mach number 2.2 which was operated at underexpansion ratios of 1·2 and 2, while the third jet was produced by a convergent nozzle operated at an underexpansion ratio of 4. The base widths of the wedges equalled the exit diameter of the convergent-divergent nozzle, their apex angles were 90°, 60° and 45° and they were situated within or just downstream of the first cell of each jet.Detailed front-face pressure distributions were obtained for 15 different configurations. Shadowgraph photographs were taken of these and other cases. The results show a variety of possible flow patterns. The major factors determining which flow pattern occurs are the combination of the centre-line Mach number and wedge apex angle and the jet shock strength and position. It was found that observed shock intersections can be reconstructed by means of shock polars, but that a four-shock confluence will not always occur when it is possible according to the shock polars. In one case there is evidence of the existence of a β triple-shock confluence. An interesting and unusual flow involving a stagnation bubble was obtained when the wedges were situated downstream of the free-jet Mach disk.