Attenuation and distortion of pressure wave propagating in a constant area tube (1st Report, characteristics of a weak shock wave)

In order to clarify the attenuation and distortion of a pressure wave propagating in a constant area tube, experimental study has been carried out. Weak shock waves (M_s < 1.1) were created using an open-end shock tube. Experimental results show that the strength of a shock wave decreases exponentially with distance. The attenuation rate of wave strength is affected by the initial strength of the shock wave and by the unsteady boundary layer induced by the wave front. The shape of a weak shock wave becomes different with the propagation distance; that is, a compression wave appears just behind the shock wave front. And an overshoot is observed behind the shock wave front, because of the transition of the boundary layer.