Derivation of the critical angle for Mach reflection for strong shock waves

Year: 1992

Authors: De Rosa M., Famà F, Palleschi V., Singh D.P., Vaselli M.

Autors Affiliation: Istituto di Fisica Atomica e Molecolare, Via del Giardino 7, 56127 Pisa, Italy

Abstract: In the process of shock-wave reflection at a surface, a transition from regular to Mach reflection occurs when the angle of incidence exceeds a certain critical value. This critical angle, which depends on the Mach number of the propagating shock wave and gamma, the adiabatic exponent of the medium, is well approximated in many experimental situations by its value in the limit of infinite Mach number. Unfortunately, the often-cited critical angle for infinitely strong shock waves is incorrect. We present a short analysis of the process of shock-wave reflection and discuss the condition for infinitely strong shock waves. The exact and approximate solutions for the dependence of the critical angle on the adiabatic exponent of the medium are also compared with the above-mentioned formula.

Journal/Review: PHYSICAL REVIEW A

Volume: 45 (8)      Pages from: 6130  to: 6132

KeyWords: shock waves
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevA.45.6130

Citations: 16
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