Evolution of Shock Waves during Muzzle Jet Impinging Moving Bodies under Different Constrained Boundaries

Abstract

A recently developed launching device called the gun–track launch system is affected by its constrained track, such that the form of the muzzle jet changes from the state of free development in the entire space to a constrained state, where this lends unique characteristics of development to its flow field. In this study, the authors establish the corresponding model for numerical simulations based on the dynamic mesh method. We also considered a model of simulation of the muzzle jet with an “infinitely” constrained track to analyze its performance under real launch conditions to explore the mechanism of development and the disturbance-induced propagation of the shock wave when the muzzle jet impinges on moving bodies. The results showed that the muzzle jet exhibited a circumferential asymmetric shape that tilted toward the area above the muzzle and generated transverse air flow that led to the generation of a vortex on it. Because the muzzle was close to the ground, the jet was reflected by it to enhance the development and evolution of the shock waves and vortices and to aggravate the rate of distortion and asymmetry of the jet. The wave reflected from the ground was emitted once again when it encountered the infinitely constrained track. No local low-pressure area or a prominent vortex was observed after multiple reflections. Because the track in the test model was short, the waves reflected by the ground were not blocked, and vortices were formed in the area above the ground. Significant differences in the changes in pressure were also observed at key points in the domain. The results of a comparative analysis showed that the infinitely constrained track increased the Mach number of the moving body from 1.4 to 1.6. The work provides a theoretical basis and the requisite technical support for applications of the gun–track launch system.