Diffraction of strong shocks by cones, cylinders, and spheres

Abstract

This paper presents experimental investigations of the diffraction of plane strong shocks by several cones, a cylinder, and a sphere. The diffraction pattern, in particular the loci of Mach triple points and the shape of the diffracted shocks are compared with theoretical results obtained from a diffraction theory proposed by Whitham (1957, 1958, 1959). The agreement between theory and experiment is shown to be good. Also given are extensive numerical results supplementing Whitham's papers, and theortical considerations applying Whitham's theory to very blunt bodies.