On the structure of a class of aerothermodynamic shocks

Abstract

Some recent work on the existence of vibrational de-excitation shocks (δ-shocks) in expanding non-equilibrium nozzle flows is extended to include situations in which an adiabatic shock (δ-shocks) may be embedded within the de-excitation shock. A discussion of some further properties of the shock solution is given and some examples are worked out. Numerical solutions of the full equations are also presented. These solutions confirm the existence of the δ-shocks but bring to light certain anomalies in the simple approximate solution. The modifications necessary to remove these discrepancies are outlined, and the implications of the numerical results are briefly discussed. Finally, some comments on the nature of the asymptotic solution for an arbitrary rate process are made.