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Shock Dispersion of Liquids

Wave motion induced in an 8-mm thick water layer by a Mach 2.3 shock wave in air initially at 0.25 bar. Schlieren photograph 3.35 ms after initial shock passage. Note the stationary shock wave produced above the mist due to area change associated with the dispersion process.
Photograph by Andrezj Teodorcyzk. Experiments have been carried out in the 6-inch shock tube by Andrezj Teodorcyzk to examine the problem of shock-induced dispersion of liquids. He has found a strong dependence on the shock Mach number and some unique flow features. A slowly moving, breaking water wave is produced by the separated flow over the backward facing step at the upstream edge of the water layer. A coarse spray is produced at lower shock Mach numbers (1.5 or less) and a fine spray is observed at higher shock Mach numbers (2 or greater).