Weak discontinuities in relativistic MHD (Q1074480)

The object of this study is to determine the speeds of propagation of weak discontinuities, in relativistic magnetohydrodynamics, propagating into a medium which is in arbitrary motion and then to derive the growth equation that governs the strength of these waves along the rays. The singular surface theory, ray theory, and the basic equations of MHD are presented. The speeds of propagation of fast and slow waves are obtained. The growth equation is derived and the solution is presented in an integral form. The solution breaks down in some finite time thereby indicating the occurence of shock waves in the nonlinear case, if the waves are initially compressive.