Dowse, Jonathan Neil.2014-02-172014-02-172014-02-17http://hdl.handle.net10539/13795The work presented in this dissertation describes the effects that an area change has on shock wave propagation. Of particular interest is the analysis and optimisation of a gradual area reduction whereby a shock wave may be optimally strengthened. Experimental testing is conducted for a planar shock wave of A1s = 1.33 propagating through one of three cornpound parabolic profiles of 130, 195 or 260mm in length, all of which exhibit an 80% reduction in area. Experimental images were captured using an innovative colour schlieren setup for high- resolution images and lower resolution high-speed video. Results showed that there exists three main types of flow scenarios for propagation through a gradual area reduction, and an optimal net increase of 12.7% in shock Mach number was calculated for the longest profile of 260m.m which was predicted to within 5% theoretical predictions using Milton's (1975) modified CCW Relation.enThesis