MACH REFLECTION PHENOMENON IN THE INTERACTION OF SPHERICAL SHOCK-WAVES IN AIR

Mutual interaction of two spherically symmetric shock waves propagating in air is studied using different optical methods, namely holographic interferometry and shadowgraphy. The experimental results, showing the onset of Mach reflection in the region of interaction in spherical and annular configurations, are reported. The numerical estimates of the critical radius and the critical time at the onset of the Mach reflection are also given using the hydrodynamic equations of a perfect gas along with the predictions of point strong explosion theory.