Decay of weak pressure waves in a low-pressure tube

In this study, the characteristics of pressure wave propagation in a vacuum tube have been investigated experimentally from the viewpoint of vacuum protection in the beamlines of a synchrotron radiation facility. Baffle plates having a single orifice of 5, 10 or 15 mm in diameter were installed in shock tubes 5 m in length and 36.6 or 68.8 mm in diameter, in order to slow the pressure wave or shock wave propagation, as a model for the beamline. To evaluate the decay of pressure waves, pressure changes with time at several locations along the side wall as well as at the end wall of the tube were measured. The results showed that the effect of the orifices on pressure wave propagation and its decay was significant. The present investigation may contribute to the design and construction of high-energy synchrotron radiation facilities with long beamlines.