The T6 Stalker Tunnel is a multi-mode, high-enthalpy, transient ground test facility. It is the first of its type in the UK. The facility combines the original free-piston driver from the T3 Shock Tunnel with modified barrels from the Oxford Gun Tunnel. Depending on test requirements, it can operate as a shock tube, reflected shock tunnel or expansion tube. Commissioning tests of the free-piston driver are discussed, including the development of four baseline driver conditions using piston masses of either 36 kg or 89 kg. Experimental data are presented for each operating mode, with comparison made to numerical simulations. In general, high-quality test flows are observed. The calculated enthalpy range of the experimental conditions achieved varies from $$2.7\hbox { MJ kg}^{-1}$$ to $$115.0\hbox { MJ kg}^{-1}$$ .

Experiments were conducted in a shock tube in order to determine the increases in shock wave strength due to reductions in area. Previous work has shown that if the reduction is too sudden significant wave reflections occur and gains are limited. A variety of curved symmetrical contractions are used, made up of parabolic surfaces with different points of inflection. High-speed Schlieren imaging was used to characterize the wave patterns with particular emphasis on wave reflections. Greatest wave amplification is present when Mach reflection of the wave is not reached at all, and this was found to occur with parabolic profiles with inflection point at 60% of the profile length. Clear Mach reflection is evident with the inflection point at 40% and the post shock flow shows significant reflected waves with their associated losses. With an area reduction of 80% and a inflection point at 60% of the contraction, a typical result gives an increase in Mach number from 1.6 to 2.0, corresponding to a 61% increase in post-shock pressure. It is found that profiles with later inflection points provide a more gradual initial area change and allow weaker compression waves to develop which can significantly reduce or even avoid transition to Mach reflection.