Compression waves generated by paper pistons accelerated by shock waves in a shock tube have been reflected from a symmetrical wedge. Studies of the density fields in the interaction region have been made with an interferometer, and the parameters, ``wave age,'' distance up the wedge, and angle of incidence have been investigated over a range of incidence angles from 25° to 80° and ``effective shock strengths'' from ξ=1.1 to ξ=2.0. The limit of regular reflection for this type of wave is shown to exist theoretically, and this limit has been verified experimentally. Beyond this limit a type of Mach reflection occurs.

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© 1955 American Institute of Physics.
1955
American Institute of Physics
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