Unsteady three-dimensional compressible vortex flows generated during shock wave diffraction

The results of an experimental and numerical investigation into the behaviour of the spiral vortex generated by shock wave diffraction over edges yawed to the incident shock wave are presented. Three-dimensional numerical simulations reveal significant distortion and bending of the free vortex in regions near the boundary of the flow domain, so as to meet it at a right angle. The results of numerical simulations were found to mimic the experimentally obtained photographs very well. The numerical results are used to explain the various features of the resultant flow fields, with particular emphasis placed on the behaviour and properties of the spiral vortex, as it evolves with time. The effects of bending on the structure of the vortex are examined. The rate of circulation production for the three-dimensional shock diffraction cases was calculated, and the trends observed correlated with those for the much published two-dimensional diffraction case.