In shock tubes, some non-ideal effects can result in a gradual rise in pressure behind the reflected shock wave. This variation in the reflected shock pressure (P \(_\text {5}\) ) can significantly affect the accurate determination of kinetic parameters. Among the various techniques available to address the non-ideal pressure rise in the reflected shock wave region, the use of driver inserts has emerged as the most effective and reliable method for compensating the non-ideal increase in P \(_\text {5}\) . In this study, a step-size driver insert was implemented in a shock tube, and the resulting pressure measurements were analysed for two different initial temperatures T \(_\text {1}\) . The results reveal a notable difference in the geometry of the driver inserts required to achieve a uniform pressure profile behind the reflected shock wave for initial temperatures of 300 K and 353 K. While the direct design strategy of the driver insert did not yield optimal performance in one case, the final design of the driver insert was refined empirically based on the experimental pressure trace, guided by the principle of expansion fan reflection. Distinct insert shapes were ultimately developed for each temperature condition to maintain a stable pressure profile behind the reflected shock wave. Accurate chemical kinetic measurements require well-defined temperature and pressure conditions, and appropriately designed driver inserts play a crucial role in achieving these conditions. This manuscript presents the design methodology and experimental validation of driver inserts for improved performance under varying thermal conditions.
