On the stability of steady-flow regular and Mach reflection (Q1372823)

A physical argument is presented for the strong shock regime to show that the stability of a regular reflection depends on the slope of the deflection-pressure plane reflected shock locus at its intersection with the pressure axis. Negative slope implies stability. Further, a Mach-reflection is also stable, and in the dual-solution domain it is more stable than the regular reflection at the same incident shock angle. On the basis of these results, an experiment is suggested that is predicted to achieve regular reflection in the dual-solution domain.