Double

Degree Program
Laurea Magistrale In Ingegneria Aerospaziale

GASDINAMICA





Laboratory Experiment Report

VISUALIZZAZIONE DI FLUSSI SUPERSONICI ATTORNO A UN CONO







Student:
David Pina Brando
203001

David Brando | 31/12/13

1. Introduction
This laboratory work focuses on the visualization of a supersonic flow around a cone and the
respective shockwaves created, resultant of the perturbation (cone) inserted on the flow.
The flow was achieved through a compressor connected to a reservatory that would feed a
variable geometry chamber (in order to achieve different Mach numbers), followed by a see-
through test chamber where the small cone was inserted. The images were then obtained
through an optical system using the Schlieren flow visualization process. This is based on the
deflection of light when it crosses a medium presenting a refractive index gradient, which is
directly related to the flow density gradient. A viewing screen then allows the user to observe
these density gradients as variations in light intensity.

2. Theoretical introduction
To study the supersonic flow around a cone it is first necessary to look at the Oblique Shock
Wave Theory.
Figure 1 - Flow and shock wave across
a concave corner (left) and a wedge
(right).

SOURCE:
http://www.aeromech.usyd.edu.au/aero/g
asdyn/concavecorner.html

Using the 2D continuity equation, decomposing it to tangential a and normal directions in

relation to the shock wave and taking into account that the tangential velocity stays constant
before and after the shock wave, it is possible to obtain the --Mach Relation, equation (1),
that relates the angle of the deflection imposed to the flow, , the angle of the oblique shock
wave, , and the Mach number of the undisturbed fluid flow, M. is the heat capacity ratio,
valued at 1.4 for air.
(1) tan = 2

! ! !"!! !!!

!"# ! ! ! !!!"# !! !!

" "

Within this relation its possible to observe a maximum corner angle, max , for each value of
Mach (see the attached --Mach diagram). If < max the shock wave is straight and
attached to the corner. Otherwise, if the value of surpasses the value of max for a given
Mach number, the shock wave detaches from the corner and adopts a bow shape.

As seen in the picture above, a wedge can be treated as 2 corners, so the --Mach Relation
can be used. When moving to a 3D objet such as a cone, as used in this experiment, the shock
wave will now be also shaped as a cone. Because the flow will be able to distribute along the
surface of the cone, the shock wave will now be weaker than the one obtained using the 2D
wedge model. Also the inclination of the shock wave, , will be smaller than the value obtained
for the wedge.

David Brando | 31/12/13

3. Experimental Data and Calculations

The actual experiment had some technical issues that made the visualization of the shock
wave difficult. Nevertheless, we were provided with the expected results, shown in the
pictures below, which show the cone immersed in the fluid, the shock wave and the and
angles.

Figure 2 - Shock waves observed through the screen, with the important angles made evident.

From the pictures we can obtain =

!",!"
!

= 32,035 and =

!!",!"
!

= 57,93 . Base on the

pictures, we can also make the assumption that the shock waves are attached to the cone,
which indicates that, for the Mach number at which the experiment was executed, < max..
Therefore, taking into consideration that assumption its possible to obtain the value of Mach
at which the experiment was executed using the --Mach Relation:
2,905
If we find these values in the --Mach diagram (point marked in RED on the attached --
Mach diagram) we see that the solution corresponds to a weak shock wave, because M2 is
greater than 1 (sufficient condition for the shock wave to be weak).

4. Discussion
As expected as Mach speed raised a shock wave appeared.
As the velocity of the flow wasnt recorded, neither were the reservoir or ambient pressures, it
wasnt possible to compare the results with the theoretical ones. Nevertheless this experiment
allowed to make an estimation of that same velocity, as well as observing the formation and
shape of the shock wave.

David Brando | 31/12/13

ATTACHMENT:

--Mach diagram (=1.4)

(in degrees)

SOURCE: http://wpage.unina.it/astarita/Gasdinamica/slides%202008/3.3_Onde_urto_Da.pdf

(in degrees)