Evaluation of boundary‐layer effects in shock‐tube studies of chemical kinetics

Abstract

Abstract Particle times of flight in incident shock flow were determined experimentally by marking several positions of the test gas (mainly Ar) in the shock tube with an infrared emitting gas (NO or CO 2 ). From the local particle velocity, derived from the particle flight times, temperature and pressure changes behind the shock front were evaluated. Several experimental data were found to be correctly described by Mirels's formulations when used properly. The limitations of the formulations are discussed. It is found to be advisable to evaluate boundary‐layer effects on shock‐tube flow by experiments, rather than theory, in carrying out chemical kinetics studies.