Shock Tube Calculator

Shock tubes are devices capable of generating discontinuities like shock waves which affect the flow properties of compressible gases. It consists of a driver section and a driven section separated by a diaphragm. When the diaphragm is ruptured the gases communicate giving rise to a shock wave, an expansion fan and a contact discontinuity. The incident shock wave travels at supersonic speeds towards the driven end wall increasing the pressure and temperature. The incident shock reflects from the driven end wall further increasing the pressure and temperature while stagnating the gas. The expansion fan on the contrary, travels towards the driver end wall decreasing the pressure. The contact discontinuity is an interface separating driver and driven gases traveling at speeds lower than the incident shock wave also heading towards driven end wall. Pressure and normal component of velocity do not change across a contact discontinuity.