Oblique collision of a plane-polarized Alfvén discontinuity and a slow shock wave propagating in opposite directions in magnetohydrodynamics

Collision of plane fronts of a plane-polarized Alfvén discontinuity and a slow shock wave propagating in opposite directions at a certain angle is considered within the framework of an ideal magnetohydrodynamic model. The initial state of an infinitely conducting medium at rest with a frozen-in magnetic field is assumed to be given. Calculations are carried out for various values of the shock wave Mach number and the magnetic field strength using a special software which makes it possible to find an exact solution of the Riemann problem of breakdown of a discontinuity between the states downstream of the interacting waves by means of a computer. The wave flow structure is investigated and a bifurcation map of flow restructuring is constructed. Domains of the initial parameters for which the interaction differs qualitatively are distinguished. The parameters of the medium and magnetic field are found as functions of the angle between the colliding discontinuities and the inclination of the magnetic field. The results obtained may be used in investigations of magnetic reconnection.     

Application of unsteady mixing equations to some aerodynamic problems

Tangential discontinuities [1] are introduced in solving several transient and steady-state problems of gas dynamics. These discontinuities are unstable [2] as a result of the effects of viscosity and thermal conductivity. Therefore it is advisable to replace the tangential discontinuity by a mixing region and account for its interaction with the inviscid flows, establishing on the boundaries of this region the conditions of vanishing friction stress and equality of the velocity and temperature components to the corresponding velocity and temperature components of the inviscid flows. This formulation improves the accuracy of the solution of such problems by posing them as problems with irregular reflection and intersection of shock waves [1].The consideration of the interaction of unsteady turbulent mixing regions with the inviscid flow also permits the formulation of several problems in which the effects of viscosity lead to complete rearrangement of the flow pattern (the lambda-configuration) with the interaction of the reflected shock wave with the boundary layer in the shock tube [3,4], the formation of zones of developed separation ahead of obstacles, etc.).In this connection, §1 presents an analysis of the self-similar solutions of the unsteady turbulent mixing equations (a corresponding analysis of the laminar mixing equations which coincide with the boundary layer equations is presented in [1]). It is shown that these self-similar solutions describe, along with the several problems noted above, the problems of the formation of steady jets and mixing zones in the base wake.As an example, §2 presents, within the framework of the proposed schematization, an approximate solution of the problem of the interaction of a shock wave reflected from a semi-infinite wall with the boundary layer on a horizontal plate behind the incident shock wave. The results obtained are applied to the analysis of reflection in a shock tube. Computational results are presented which are in qualitative agreement with experiment [3, 4].     

Numerical solution of the problem of wave diffraction by a wedge

The systematic development of the theory of shock reflection from a solid wall started in [1]. Regular reflection and a three-shock configuration originating in Mach reflection were considered there under the assumption of homogeneity of the domains between the discontinuities and, therefore, of rectilinearity of these latter. The difficulties of the theoretical study include the essential nonlinearity of the process as well as the instability of the tangential discontinuity originating during Mach reflection. Analytic solutions of the problem in a linear formulation are known for a small wedge angle or a weak wave (see [2–4], for example). The solution in a nonlinear formulation has been carried out numerically in [5, 6] for arbitrary wedge angles and wave intensities. Since the wave was nonstationary, the internal flow configuration is difficult to clarify by means of the constant pressure and density curves presented. A formulation of the problem for the complete system of gasdynamics equations in self-similar variables is given in [7] and a method of solution is proposed but no results are presented. Difficulties with the instability of the contact discontinuity are noted. The problem formulation in this paper is analogous to that proposed in [7]. However, a method of straight-through computation without extraction of the compression shocks in the flow field is selected to compute the discontinuous flows. The shocks and contact discontinuities in such a case are domains with abrupt changes in the gasdynamics parameters. The computations were carried out for a broad range of interaction angles and shock intensities. The results obtained are in good agreement with the analytical solutions and experimental results. Information about the additional rise in reflection pressure after the Mach foot has been obtained during the solution.     

Interaction between a fast magnetohydrodynamic shock wave and a tangential discontinuity

The self-similar problem of the oblique interaction between a fast shock wave and a tangential discontinuity is solved within the framework of the ideal magnetohydrodynamic model. The constraints on the initial parameters necessary for the existence of a regular solution are found. Various feasible wave flow patterns are found. In the space of the governing parameters boundaries between the solutions of various types are constructed. The basic features of the developing flows and their dependence on the initial data are clarified.Moscow. Translated from Izvestiya Rossiiskoi Akademii Nauk, Mekhanika Zhidkosti i Gaza, No. 2, pp. 159–168, March–April, 1995.     

Regular reflection of a magnetohydrodynamic shock wave from a conducting wall

In two-dimensional supersonic gasdynamics, one of the classical steady-state problems, which include shock waves and other discontinuities, is the problem concerning the oblique reflection of a shock wave from a plane wall. It is well known [1–3] that two types of reflection are possible: regular and Mach. The problem concerning the regular reflection of a magnetohydrodynamic shock wave from an infinitely conducting plane wall is considered here within the scope of ideal magnetohydrodynamics [4]. It is supposed that the magnetic field, normal to the wall, is not equal to zero. The solution of the problem is constructed for incident waves of different types (fast and slow). It is found that, depending on the initial data, the solution can have a qualitatively different nature. In contrast from gasdynamics, the incident wave is reflected in the form of two waves, which can be centered rarefaction waves. A similar problem for the special case of the magnetic field parallel to the flow was considered earlier in [5, 6]. The normal component of the magnetic field at the wall was equated to zero, the solution was constructed only for the case of incidence of a fast shock wave, and the flow pattern is similar in form to that of gasdynamics. The solution of the problem concerning the reflection of a shock wave constructed in this paper is necessary for the interpretation of experiments in shock tubes [7–10].Translated from Izvestiya Akademii Nauk SSSR, Mekhanika Zhidkosti i Gaza, No. 3, pp. 102–109, May–June, 1977.The author thanks A. A. Barmin, A. G. Kulikovskii, and G. A. Lyubimov for useful discussion of the results obtained.     

The nature of the triple point singularity in the case of stationary reflection of weak shock waves

The structure of flow in the vicinity of a triple point in the problem of stationary irregular reflection of weak shock waves is numerically investigated within the framework of the Euler model, including the von Neumann paradox range. To improve the accuracy of the solution near singular points a new technology including a grid contracted toward the triple point and the discontinuity fitting is applied. It is shown that in the four-wave flow pattern the curvatures of the tangential discontinuity and the Mach front at the triple point are finite. The singularity is concentrated only in a sector between the reflected wave front and the expansion fan. When the three-wave flow pattern is realized, the curvatures of the tangential discontinuity and both wave fronts at the triple point are infinite. On the range of weak and moderate shock waves the logarithmic singularity in subsonic sectors near the triple point conserves up to transition to the regular reflection.     

Impact of the interplanetary magnetic field on thewave flow pattern in the neighborhood of the Earth’s bow shock under sharp variations in the solar wind dynamic pressure

The impact of the interplanetary magnetic field on transformation and disintegration of the Earth’s bow shock into a system of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) shock waves, rotational discontinuities and rarefaction waves under the action of abrupt variations in the solar wind dynamic pressure is simulated in the three-dimensional non-plane-polarized formulation within the framework of the ideal magnetohydrodynamic model using the solution of the MHD Riemann problem of breakdown of an arbitrary discontinuity. This discontinuity arises when a contact discontinuity, on which the solar wind density increases or decreases suddenly and which travels together with the solar wind, impinges on the Earth’s bow shock and propagates along its surface. The interaction pattern is constructed in the quasisteady- state formulation as a mosaic of exact solutions obtained on computer using an original MHD Riemann solver. The wave flow patterns are found for all elements of the surface of the bow shock as functions of their latitude and longitude for various jumps in the density on the contact discontinuity and characteristics parameters of the solar wind and interplanetary magnetic field at the Earth’s orbit. It is found that when the solar wind dynamic pressure increases, a fast MHD shock wave, that first penetrates into the magnetosheath, is always formed. When the solar wind dynamic pressure decreases, the influence of the interplanetary magnetic field can lead to the development of the leading fast MHD shock wave in certain zones on the surface of the Earth’s bow shock. The solution obtained can be used to interpret measurements on spacecraft in the solar wind at the libration point and in the neighborhood of the Earth’s magnetosphere.     

Study of Iterative Algorithms for Solution of Dynamic Contact Problems for Elastic Cracked Bodies

A plane problem is solved for the contact interaction between the faces of a rectilinear crack under the action of a normally incident harmonic tension–compression wave. Iterative algorithms are presented to solve the problem for both given initial distribution of contact forces and given initial discontinuity in the displacements of the crack faces. The convergence rates of the algorithms, the maximum contact forces, and displacement discontinuities are compared.     

Cumulation effect upon the interaction between a shock and a local gas region with elevated or lowered density

The interaction between a plane normal shock and ellipsoidal regions of elevated or lowered density in an ideal perfect gas is investigated. Qualitatively different interaction patterns, regular and irregular, are found to exist. It is noted that as a result of the irregular interaction a complicated flow incorporating refracted shocks, tangential discontinuities, and vortices is formed. The effect of shock cumulation on the axis of symmetry occurring outside or inside a gas inhomogeneity of both lowered and elevated density is studied. The qualitative and quantitative influence of the inhomogeneity shape on the cumulation effect is investigated.     

Interference of stationary and non-stationary shock waves

The mathematical model of a gasdynamic discontinuity is used in the area of study concerning gas flows with large gradients of gasdynamic functions. Gasdynamic functions before and after the discontinuity meet non-linear algebraic equations called the dynamic compatibility conditions on the discontinuities. Different modes of shock wave structures forming as a result of regular or irregular interference of the incoming discontinuities of different types are described. Ranges of the initial flow parameters definition such that either shock wave structures of different modes take place or interference equations have no solutions are determined. Most attention is given to arbitrary triple shock-wave configurations. Their classification is proposed. Differential characteristics of the steady flow are studied. The notion “differential characteristics” includes first derivatives of the fundamental gasdynamic parameters with respect to natural coordinates and curvatures of the discontinuities surfaces. Effect of unsteadiness on the triple-shock configuration is examined. Some problems arising at creation of complete local theory of steady and propagating gasdynamic discontinuities interference are formulated.     

Shock wave propagation in a branched duct

The propagation of a planar shock wave in a 90° branched duct is studied experimentally and numerically. It is shown that the interaction of the transmitted shock wave with the branching segment results in a complex, two-dimensional unsteady flow. Multiple shock wave reflections from the duct's walls cause weakening of transmitted waves and, at late times, an approach to an equilibrium, one-dimensional flow. While at most places along the branched duct walls calculated pressures are lower than that existing behind the original incident shock wave, at the branching segment's right corner, where a head on-collision between the transmitted wave and the corner is experienced, pressures that are significantly higher than those existing behind the original incident shock wave are encountered. The numerically evaluated pressures can be accepted with confidence, due to the very good agreement found between experimental and numerical results with respect to the geometry of the complex wave pattern observed inside the branched duct. Received 15 July 1996 / Accepted 20 February 1997     

Inviscid vortex structures in the shock layers of conical flows around V wings

The applicability of the criteria of existence of inviscid vortex structures (vortex Ferri singularities) is studied in the case in which a contact discontinuity of the corresponding intensity proceeds from the branching point of the λ shock wave configuration accompanying turbulent boundary layer separation under the action of an inner shock incident on the leeward wing panel. The calculated and experimental data are analyzed, in particular, those obtained using the special shadow technique developed for visualizing supersonic conical streams in nonsymmetric, Mach number 3 flow around a wing with zero sweep of the leading edges and the vee angle of 2π /3. The applicability of the criteria of existence of inviscid vortex structures is established for contact discontinuities generated by the λ shock wave configuration accompanying turbulent boundary layer separation realized under the action of a shock wave incident on the leeward wing panel. Thus, it is established that the formation of the vortex Ferri singularities in a shock layer is independent of the reason for the existence of the contact discontinuity and depends only on its intensity.     

Investigation of the problem of the decay of an arbitrary two-dimensional discontinuity

The problem of the decay of an arbitrary two-dimensional discontinuity in a gas has been investigated analytically and numerically. When the boundary of the original discontinuity is a straight line with a break, the problem is reduced to the interaction of two one-dimensional arbitrary discontinuities. It is shown that the difference between the two-dimensional and one-dimensional solutions has a maximum when the decay of the the discontinuity is accompanied by the formation of shock waves that interact with each other and with other gas-dynamic discontinuities. The effect of the angle of deviation of the original boundary of the discontinuity on the two-dimensionality of the flow is estimated.Translated from Izvestiya Akademii Nauk SSSR, Mekhanika Zhidkosti i Gaza, No. 2, pp. 159–164, March–April, 1989.     

Particle image velocimetry measurements of a shock wave/turbulent boundary layer interaction

Particle image velocimetry is used to investigate the interaction between an incident shock wave and a turbulent boundary layer at Mach 2.1. A particle response assessment establishes the fidelity of the tracer particles. The undisturbed boundary layer is characterized in detail. The mean velocity field of the interaction shows the incident and reflected shock wave pattern, as well as the boundary layer distortion. Significant reversed flow is measured instantaneously, although, on average no reversed flow is observed. The interaction instantaneously exhibits a multi-layered structure, namely, a high-velocity outer region and a low-velocity inner region. Flow turbulence shows the highest intensity in the region beneath the impingement of the incident shock wave. The turbulent fluctuations are found to be highly anisotropic, with the streamwise component dominating. A distinct streamwise-oriented region of relatively large kinematic Reynolds shear stress magnitude appears within the lower half of the redeveloping boundary layer. Boundary layer recovery towards initial equilibrium conditions appears to be a gradual process.     

Supersonic flow of a combustible gas mixture past a sphere

In recent years considerable interest has developed in the problems of steady-state supersonic flow of a mixture of gases about bodies with the formation of detonation waves and slow combustion fronts. This is due in particular to the problem of fuel combustion in a supersonic air stream.In [1] the problem of supersonic flow past a wedge with a detonation wave attached to the wedge apex is solved. This solution is based on using the equation of the detonation polar obtained in [2]-the analog of the shock polar for the case of an exothermic discontinuity. In [3] a solution is given of the problem of cone flow with an attached detonation wave, and [4] presents solutions of the problems of supersonic flow past the wedge and cone with the formation of attached adiabatic shocks with subsequent combustion of the mixture in slow combustion fronts. In the two latter studies two different solutions were also found for the problem of flow past a point ignition source, one solution with gas combustion in the detonation wave, the other with gas combustion in the slow combustion front following the adiabatic shock. These solutions describe two different asymptotic pictures of flow of a combustible gas mixture past bodies.In an experimental study of the motion of a sphere in a combustible gas mixture [5] it was found that the detonation wave formed ahead of the sphere splits at some distance from the body into an ordinary (adiabatic) shock and a slow combustion front. Arguments are presented in [6] which make it possible to explain this phenomenon and in certain cases to predict its occurrence.The present paper presents examples of the calculation of flow of a combustible gas mixture past a sphere with a detonation wave in the case when the wave does not split. In addition, the flow near the point at which the detonation wave splits is analyzed for the case when splitting occurs where the gas velocity behind the wave is greater than the speed of sound. This analysis shows that in the given case the flow calculation may be carried out without any particular difficulties. On the other hand, the calculation of the flow for the case when the point of splitting is located in the subsonic portion of the flow behind the wave (or in the region of influence of the subsonic portion of the flow) presents difficulties. This flow case is similar to the problem of the supersonic jet of finite width impacting on an obstacle.     

Contributions to numerical developments in shock waves attenuation in porous filters

The paper deals with the numerical method of the compressible gas flow through a porous filter emphasizing the treatment of the interface between a pure gaseous phase and a solid phase. An incident shock wave is initiated in the gaseous phase interacting with a porous filter inducing a transmitted and a reflected wave. To take into account the discontinuity jump in the porosity between the gaseous phase and the porous filter, an approximate Riemann solver is used to compute homogeneous non-conservative Euler equations in porous media using ideal gas state law. The discretization of this problem is based on a finite volume method where the fluxes are evaluated by a “volumes finis Roe” (VFRoe) scheme. A stationary solution is determined with a continuous variable porosity in order to test the numerical scheme. Numerical results are compared with the two-phase shock tube experiments and simulations of a shock wave attenuation and gas filtration in porous filters are presented.      

Structure of supersonic inviscid nonsymmetric conical flow around a V-wing

The shock wave structure of flow around a V-wing and its properties determining the conical flow topology are numerically investigated within the framework of the inviscid gas model on a wide range of the angles of attack and yaw when in the disturbed supersonic flow either nonsymmetric Mach interaction between the shocks attached to the leading edges of the wing or a shockless flow in the compressed layer on the windward cantilever is realized. The subranges of the angles of attack and yaw with the disturbed flow properties characteristic of the wing of the given geometry are determined. It is found that at high angles of attack, when the branching point of the bow shock beneath the leeward cantilever generates an intense contact discontinuity, the structure of the conical flow in the shock layer on the windward cantilever involves a singularity of a new type which can be characterized as a “vortical” Ferri singularity. It is located above the point of convergence of the streamlines proceeding from the leading edges of the wing, at the vertex of the corresponding contact discontinuity. Flow patterns with the point of convergence of the streamlines proceeding from the leading edges located in the elliptical flow region, which is placed at a local maximum of the pressure distribution over the surface are also found. The range of the angles of attack and yaw on which this new property of supersonic conical flows is realized in the presence of a branched shock system is determined.     

Oblique Interaction of an Alfvén Discontinuity and a Fast Magnetohydrodynamic Shock Wave Propagating in Opposite Directions

The problem of the regular oblique interaction of a plane-polarized Alfvén discontinuity and a fast magnetohydrodynamic shock wave propagating in opposite directions is solved numerically within the framework of the ideal magnetohydrodynamic model over a wide range of the key parameters. The wave pattern of the developing flow is found and the properties of the flow are studied. In particular, the dependence of the wave composition forming the flow is mapped as a function of the key parameters. With the variation of the problem parameters the developing flow is qualitatively reconstructed, possibly suddenly (jumpwise). This leads to a complex nonmonotonic dependence of the physical characteristics of the flow.     

Solution of Riemann problem for dusty gas flow

A direct approach is used to solve the Riemann problem for a quasilinear hyperbolic system of equations governing the one dimensional unsteady planar flow of an isentropic, inviscid compressible fluid in the presence of dust particles. The elementary wave solutions of the Riemann problem, that is, shock waves, rarefaction waves and contact discontinuities are derived and their properties are discussed for a dusty gas. The generalised Riemann invariants are used to find the solution between rarefaction wave and the contact discontinuity and also inside rarefaction fan. Unlike the ordinary gasdynamic case, the solution inside the rarefaction waves in dusty gas cannot be obtained directly and explicitly; indeed, it requires an extra iteration procedure. Although the case of dusty gas is more complex than the ordinary gas dynamics case, all the parallel results for compressive waves remain identical. We also compare/contrast the nature of the solution in an ordinary gasdynamics and the dusty gas flow case.