Structure of relativistic shock waves in simple gases

Journal Article · Mon Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 1979 · Phys. Fluids; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.862495· OSTI ID:5878082

Chapline, G F; Weaver, T A

Numerical solutions of the exact relativistic nonlinear Boltzmann equation have been obtained which describe the structure of relativistic shock transitions in dilute one-component simple gases. When the speed of the shock wave is near the speed of light, the calculated velocity profiles, as viewed in the rest frame of the shock wave, are similar to the velocity profiles of weak nonrelativistic shock waves. Starting from this observation an analytic theory for the velocity profile is derived which is accurate for all relativistic energies and may be used to study relativistic shock waves in nonideal fluids where the Boltzmann equation is not valid.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore Laboratory, University of California, Livermore, California 94550
• OSTI ID: 5878082
• Journal Information: Phys. Fluids; (United States), Journal Name: Phys. Fluids; (United States) Vol. 22:10; ISSN PFLDA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640410* -- Fluid Physics-- General Fluid Dynamics
75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS
SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND SUPERFLUIDITY
BOLTZMANN EQUATION
CONSERVATION LAWS
DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
ENERGY RANGE
EQUATIONS
FLUID MECHANICS
HYDRODYNAMICS
MEAN FREE PATH
MECHANICS
MONTE CARLO METHOD
NAVIER-STOKES EQUATION
NONLINEAR PROBLEMS
NUMERICAL SOLUTION
RELATIVISTIC RANGE
SHOCK WAVES
SIMULATION