Parameters Affecting the Postshock Wave Relaxation Zone in an Oxygen Carbon Particle Suspension

Abstract

A parametric study was conducted regarding the effects of the initial carbon concentration, the initial carbon particle diameter, the shock wave Mach number and the preshock suspension pressure on the suspension behavior in the relaxation zone. The suspension was composed of oxygen gas seeded with small carbon particles. It was found that changing either the initial carbon concentration or the shock wave Mach number has a marked effect on the suspension behavior in the relaxation zone and on the eventually reached postshock equilibrium state. Changes in the initial carbon particle diameter (at a constant shock wave Mach number and carbon concentration) has no effect on the postshock equilibrium state, but it does affect the way in which the suspension reaches this equilibrium state. Changes in the preshock suspension pressure has only minor effects on the suspension behavior in the relaxation zone.