ASTER

Asymmetric Shock Tube for Experiments on Rarefaction Waves (ASTER)

The ASTER is a unique Ludwieg-type tube designed to verify nonclassical gasdynamic effects in the dense vapours of organic fluids. Unlike conventional shock tubes that use metallic or polyester-based barrier elements, the ASTER employs a glass-disk diaphragm. This innovative modification can withstand high pressures and temperatures while enabling a near instantaneous and complete opening. This not only facilitates a sudden expansion of the working fluid but also guarantees a complete opening of the throat.The ASTER is a unique Ludwieg-type tube designed to verify nonclassical gasdynamic effects in the dense vapours of organic fluids. Unlike conventional shock tubes that use metallic or polyester-based barrier elements, the ASTER employs a glass-disk diaphragm. This innovative modification can withstand high pressures and temperatures while enabling a near instantaneous and complete opening. This not only facilitates a sudden expansion of the working fluid but also guarantees a complete opening of the throat.

Research objectives:

• Investigation of non-ideal gas dynamic effects on the propagation of pressure waves
• First experimental observation of the theoretically predicted rarefaction shock wave
• Accurate measurement of the fundamental derivative of gasdynamics

Features:

• 3 m long stainless steel pipe covered completely with 17.5 mm thick aluminium shells to ensure temperature homogeneity 
• Capable of withstanding temperatures up to 400 degrees C and pressures up to 15 bar
• Glass disk diaphragm that enables quick and thorough opening
• Two pairs of fast-response high frequency pressure sensors for wave speed measurement.