The effect of rapid wedge rotation on the transition from regular (RR) to Mach reflection (MR) is investigated. This unsteady shock reflection transition is compared with the steady-state transition. The dependence of various flow features such as the unsteady Mach stem height, position of the reflection point, and shock angle at the reflection or triple point on the wedge angle for a fixed Mach number is compared at various rotation rates. The study is further extended to compare the dynamic effects for various Mach numbers in the strong shock reflection domain at higher wedge speeds. Transition lines corresponding to different rotation speeds are obtained similar to the detachment transition line in steady cases. It is found that the pivot point has only marginal effect on the transition point, but it substantially affects the Mach stem growth and the movement of the reflection point, specifically at higher Mach numbers. The location of the transition from the inlet also depends on the pivot point and the rate of rotation.

• Received 7 August 2021
• Accepted 18 October 2021

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.104.055101