The propagation of small disturbances in a radiating gas

Abstract

The influence of radiation on the propagation of small disturbances is investigated by considering a signalling problem and obtaining approximate limiting solutions. It is found that, for small time, the main disturbance travels at the isentropic speed of sound. For some intermediate time, the main disturbance travels at the isothermal speed of sound. For long time, the disturbance travels at the isentropic speed of sound. The decay and diffusion of these waves are also determined.