Oblique shock waves in a dusty-gas flow over a wedge

Abstract

Supersonic flows of a dusty gas past a wedge are studied theoretically. An oblique shock wave emanates from the apex of the wedge at the same angle as in the case of a pure gas, but bends back because of the presence of the particles. It is shown from an equilibrium-gas analysis that the extent of decrease in the shock-wave angle is larger for smaller velocity of the uniform stream. When the flow-deflection angle is small enough, the oblique shock wave developing fully at large distances from the apex has a fully dispersed transition structure. On the other hand, it is partly dispersed when the flow-deflection angle is large. Details of the development of the oblique shock wave as the distance from the apex increases are clarified by solving the equations of motion numerically. The particles colliding with the wedge are assumed to stick to or reflect elastically from its surface. It is shown that the reflected particles affect the flow significantly in the neighbourhood of the wedge.