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 wavesDOI: 10.1103/PhysRevA.45.6130Citations: 18data from “WEB OF SCIENCE” (of Thomson Reuters) are update at: 2024-10-06References taken from IsiWeb of Knowledge: (subscribers only)Connecting to view paper tab on IsiWeb: Click hereConnecting to view citations from IsiWeb: Click here