Abstract: A kind of finite volume TVD Scheme is used to numerically simulate the motion of shock wave projecting into a confined space. The calculated results are in agreement with experimental ones when the shock wave propagates in atmosphere. Following the shock wave, vortex rings and several shock waves appear in the flow field. Calculation indicates that the characteristics of pressure pulses near the open end of the tube depend mainly on the axial length of the confined space of cubic vacuum tank, which is essential for designing the size of vacuum tank of short duration device for simulating exhaust plume at high altitudes.

Key words: shook tubes, numerical simulation, shock wave reflection