General theory of diaphragm rupture in a shock tunnel

As the flow field starting device is in a shock tunnel, the rupture performance of the diaphragm directly influences the successful formation of the shock wave. The general theory of diaphragm rupture in shock tunnels is proposed first in this paper. The reasons for diaphragm rupture are explained fundamentally. The existing ideologies on diaphragm rupture are unified, and two hypotheses with corresponding methods are introduced. In the ideal diaphragm, diaphragm rupture pressure or rupture time can be predicted by considering the diaphragm opening as a throat through a diaphragm opening aperture. In the non-ideal diaphragm, the control of diaphragm rupture pressure can be realized by considering nominal rupture stress and grooved thickness. The correctness of the general theory of diaphragm rupture is proved through argumentation and based on experimental results of the literature. The general theory of diaphragm rupture can be used to predict the diaphragm rupture behavior of any shock tunnel worldwide and avoid the risk of shearing of petals on the diaphragm caused by the impact load. A new system of diaphragm rupture theory is constituted, and it is of significant importance for the efficient operation of shock tunnel equipment.