A study of the interaction between two triple points

In the Mach reflection of plane shock on a concave double wedge, after two triple points collide with each other, the wave pattern is usually complicated. In this paper, firstly, a shock dynamic approach is used for studying this problem. In this approach, the method of shock-shock polar is used for better understanding the pattern of disturbance propagation. A downward-traveling shock-shock disturbance on the Mach stem is predicted theoretically. Secondly, based on the idea of shock dynamic approach, a gas dynamic model is built for studying the same problem. A similar result is obtained and the formation of the downward-traveling triple point is analyzed. This downward-traveling disturbance propagates and reflects between the upward-traveling shock-shock locus and the wall surface, causing the Mach number of Mach stem to increase and making the wave configuration approach to the one in the Mach reflection on a single wedge.