Three-dimensional diffraction of a shock wave

The diffraction of a shock wave (M0=4.7) at an angle close to 180‡ has been experimentally investigated for the three-dimensional case. Interferograms of the flow and the pressure distribution on the back wall in the course of its interaction with the diffracted wave were obtained. Rotation of the flow structure behind the shock wave relative to the axis of symmetry was observed as the flow pattern develops in time and space.