Abstract : This work was undertaken to increase the understanding of the fluid dynamics of shock wave reflection phenomena. Parametric height-of-burst (HOB) experiments were performed to establish a consistent set of HOB peak overpressure curves in the low pressure regime (< 100 psi) for hydrodynamically smooth and rough surfaces. The laboratory technique used employed 0.5-g NP charges. Shock tube experiments were performed to study turbulent boundary layer effects behind shocks and mixing effects in boundary layers with different sound speeds. Precursor and decursor phenomena were studied.