NUMERICAL-ANALYSIS OF SHOCK-WAVE REFLECTION TRANSITION IN STEADY FLOWS

Different aspects of the transition between regular and Mach reflectio ns of strong shock waves in steady flows are numerically studied. Two approaches-kinetic (the direct simulation Monte Carlo method) and cont inuum (Euler equations)-are used to investigate the hysteresis phenome non in the flow about two symmetrical wedges in two- and three-dimensi onal statements. The dependence of the final shock wave configuration on initial conditions, the transition from regular to Mach reflection by means of flow perturbations, and three-dimensional effects are exam ined. The three-dimensionality of the flow is shown to increase the an gles of transition from regular to Mach reflection and back and to dec rease the Mach stem height.