Experiments on the Interaction of a Fast-Moving Shock with an Elastic Panel

Abstract

Experiments on the interaction of a fast-moving oblique shock with an elastic panel in turbulent supersonic flow at Mach numbers of 3 and 4 were conducted to enhance the understanding of coupled flow–structure phenomena and for the validation of coupled simulations. A complex and challenging experimental setup allowed achieving remarkable shock motion, changing the impingement point within a few milliseconds, to excite high-amplitude oscillations of an elastic panel. The flowfield was analyzed by using high-speed pressure transducers and high-speed schlieren photography. The panel deflection was measured by nonintrusive high-speed capacitive and laser distance sensors. Measurements were also conducted on a rigid panel to be used as reference for the elastic case, and to allow a more detailed analysis of the shock-wave/boundary-layer interaction on the panel, yielding insights into the spatial and temporal distribution of frequencies occurring in the interaction area. Oscillations of the elastic panel with an amplitude of about 1 mm were obtained.