Structure of a Plane Shock Layer

Abstract

The structure of a plane shock wave is discussed and the expected range of applicability of the Navier‐Stokes equations within the shock layer is outlined. The shock profiles are computed using the Bhatnagar‐Gross‐Krook model of the Boltzmann equation and a uniformly converging iteration scheme starting from the Navier‐Stokes solution. It is shown that the Navier‐Stokes solution remains a good approximation in the high‐pressure region of the shock layer up to approximately the point of maximum stress for all shock strengths. In the low‐pressure region, the correct profiles deviate with increasing shock strength from the Navier‐Stokes solution. The physical significance of the kinetic model used and the relation of the present study to previous theoretical and experimental work is discussed.