In order to make the shock train leading edge detection method more possible for operational application, a new detection method based on differential pressure signals is introduced in this paper. Firstly, three previous detection methods, including the pressure ratio method, the pressure increase method, and the standard deviation method, have been examined whether they are also applicable for shock train moving at different speeds. Accordingly, three experimental cases of back-pressure changing at different rates were conducted in this paper. The results show that the pressure ratio and the pressure increase method both have acceptable detection accuracy for shock train moving rapidly and slowly, and the standard deviation method is not applicable for rapid shock train movement due to its running time window. Considering the operational application, the differential pressure method is raised and tested in this paper. This detection method has sufficient temporal resolution for rapidly and slowly shock train moving, and can make a real-time detection. In the end, the improvements brought by the differential pressure method have been discussed.
