On the propagation of a multi-dimensional shock of arbitrary strength (Q1072397)

In this paper the kinematics of a curved shock of arbitrary strength has been discussed using the theory of generalized functions. The condition for a nontrivial jump in the flow variables gives the shock manifold equation (SME). An equation for the rate of change of shock strength along the shock rays (defined as the characteristics of the SME) has been obtained. This exact result is then compared with the approximate result of shock dynamics derived by \textit{G. B. Whitham} [e.g.: J. Fluid Mech. 5, 369-386 (1959; Zbl 0085.403)]. In the last section we have derived the conservation form of our shock dynamic equations. These conservation forms would be very useful in numerical computations as it would allow us to derive difference schemes for which it would not be necessary to fit the shock-shock explicitly.