Shock wave attenuation by grids and orifice plates

The interaction of weak shock waves with porous barriers of different geometries and porosities is examined. Installing a barrier inside the shock tube test section will cause the development of the following wave pattern upon a head-on collision between the incident shock wave and the barrier: a reflected shock from the barrier and a transmitted shock propagating towards the shock tube end wall. Once the transmitted shock wave reaches the end wall it is reflected back towards the barrier. This is the beginning of multiple reflections between the barrier and the end wall. This full cycle of shock reflections/interactions resulting from the incident shock wave collision with the barrier can be studied in a single shock tube test. A one-dimensional (1D), inviscid flow model was proposed for simulating the flow resulting from the initial collision of the incident shock wave with the barrier. Fairly good agreement is found between experimental findings and simulations based on a 1D flow model. Based on obtained numerical and experimental findings an optimal design procedure for shock wave attenuator is suggested. The suggested attenuator may ensure the safety of the shelter’s ventilation systems.