Numerical investigation of shock-attenuation and shock-vehicle interaction inside closed tube with applications in vacuum transport systems

Further, the reflection shock waves generated by the interaction of structures with such shock waves have higher shock strength i.e., pressure jump across the shock, and higher shock speed compared to incident shocks. Therefore, reflection waves can also interact with the vehicle during the phase of vehicle motion. Such interactions between shock waves and vehicle brings a jump in vehicle drag over a very short duration of time. This can be detrimental to the structural stability of the vehicle or other structures inside a closed tube system. In addition, it enhances the energy required to drive the vehicle in closed tube systems. In this project, the shock-vehicle interaction will be studied computationally to estimate the drag enhancement and energy requirement for vehicle operations. Further, the structural impact on the vehicle due to shock-vehicle interaction will be studied to analyze the vibration modes, stiffness, and damping characteristics for safe vehicle operation. Special tube wall features such as porous or pseudo-perforated medium will be characterized for shock-attenuation properties inside closed-tube operations.