Design of a double diaphragm shock tube for fluid disintegration studies.

A double diaphragm shock tube facility for studying liquid-spray atomization and combustion-related phenomena at elevated pressures and temperatures is described. The present shock tube is specifically intended for the investigation of fundamental processes related to fluid disintegration and mixing under realistic engine conditions. Special features of the facility include a variable-area driver section to compensate for shock attenuation, a square test section to allow flow visualization in the postshock region, a skimmer to dispose part of the boundary layer, a heated, fast-response injector, a fully automated gas-filling system, and a new control system and electronics.