Structure of a Shock Front in Argon

Abstract

Steady one-dimensional shocks of such strength that one degree of ionization is of importance are considered. The equation of state of argon is computed, equilibrium conditions behind the shock front are evaluated, and a recombination coefficient derived from detailed balancing. It is shown that for a given shock velocity the shock front is flat and nonluminous at first but soon becomes luminous with corresponding change in hydrodynamic variables and degree of ionization, and that the flat portion decreases in width with increasing shock velocity.