Shock reflexion and shock-wave interaction in field-aligned flows

This paper considers the steady two-dimensional problem of regular reflexion and symmetric intersection of oblique magnetogasdynamic shock waves. It is assumed that the fluid medium is a non-viscous, non-heat-conducting, ideal gas of infinite electrical conductivity, and that the applied magnetic field is parallel to the velocity of the approaching stream. In view of the complexity of the shock relations, a graphical method is presented for determining the orientation and strength of the reflected shock wave in terms of the Laval number M1* (flow speed divided by critical sound speed), the Alfven number A1 (flow speed divided by Alfven speed), and the shock angle theta1 ahead of the incident shock. Moreover, the possible ranges of M1*, A1 and theta1, for which regular reflexion may occur, are calculated and illustrated graphically for the case of a monatomic gas. (author)