The nonlinear characteristic differential equations applicable to a quasi-one-dimensional unsteady channel flow with friction and heat transfer are linearized and integrated in functional form for the particular study of small perturbations from ideal shock-tube flows. If the equivalence of unsteady- and steady-flow boundary layers is assumed, the problem of determining the perturbation in the unsteady flow reduces to an evaluation of the drag of a flat plate in the equivalent steady flow.

Sponsored by the U.S. Air Force Office of Scientific Research, this conference was held in Niagara Falls on July 6–9, 1981. This book includes material on the following topics: instrumentation and diagnostics, shock tube facilities and techniques, gas dynamic experiments, heat transfer and real gas effects, boundary layers, shock structure, shock propagation, laser and spectral optical studies, chem and kinetics, relaxation and excitation, ionization, dusty gases, two-phase flow and condensation, shock waves in the environment and energy, and energy-related processes. The book contains a total of 98 papers by well-known specialists.

The linearized attenuation theory of NACA Technical Note 3375 is modified in the following manner: (a) an unsteady compressible local skin-friction coefficient is employed rather than the equivalent steady-flow incompressible coefficient; (b) a nonlinear approach is used to permit application of the theory to large attenuations; and (c) transition effects are considered. Curves are presented for predicting attenuation for shock pressure ratios up to 20 and a range of shock-tube Reynolds numbers. Comparison of theory and experimental data for shock-wave strengths between 1.5 and 10 over a wide range of Reynolds numbers shows good agreement with the nonlinear theory evaluated for a transition Reynolds number of 2.5 x 106