Computational Modeling for Non-equilibrium Shock Tube Flows

Time accurate simulation of non-equilibrium flows inside shock tube facilities presents several challenges from both physical and mathematical aspects. Furthermore, the drastic computational cost makes it non-practical to support real-time experimental test campaign. In this work, we explore other methods for modeling the shock tube prob- lem with the main focus on the post-shock region and the absolute radiation emanating from it. The proposed alternative approach is several orders of magnitude less computa- tionally expansive while still accurate enough with regards to the quantities of interest. Excellent agreement is found with the well-established stagnation-line approach. Comparison with the time-accurate simulation shows good agreement close to the peak values and disagreement of the temperatures relaxation and radiance profiles toward equilibrium, due to shock speed unsteadiness.