Numerical modeling of a high-enthalpy shock tunnel driven by gaseous detonation

A detonation-driven shock tunnel is useful as a ground test facility for hypersonic flow research. Numerical modeling of the shock tunnel is an easy way to extract precise test flow conditions and generate predictions of new operating conditions. In this study, a quasi-one-dimensional modeling of a detonation-driven shock tunnel is described. The model accounts for the viscous effects within a shock tube by adding a source term. The simulations of the particular conditions of the detonation shock tunnel are then presented and compared with the experimental results. The simulations provide good estimates for both the shock speed and pressure distributions. Detailed information on the gas dynamic processes over the full length of the facility is also obtained and discussed. The results also show that the approach is valid and ideal for the development of new tunnel operating conditions. It is also an ancillary tool for characterization of the reservoir parameters in a shock tube/tunnel, especially for the total temperature which are difficult to measure in such facilities. (C) 2020 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved