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The strange transformation of shock waves: What kind of waves transform into violent shocks?
In physics, a shock wave is a disturbance that propagates at a speed exceeding the local speed of sound. Similar to ordinary waves, shock waves carry energy and can propagate through a medium, but are characterized by sudden changes in parameters such as pressure, temperature, and density. Waves of this type are not only interesting, but also play an important role in many natural and engineering phenomena, from supersonic flight to the effects of explosive explosions. This article will delve into the formation of shock waves and the physics behind them, and explore the transformation of this wave and how it works in different environments.
How shock waves are formed
The formation of shock waves is often associated with objects or disturbances moving at supersonic speeds in a medium. When this motion occurs, the surrounding fluid cannot transmit information before the shock wave arrives. This causes almost instantaneous changes in fluid properties such as pressure, temperature and density. The formation of shock waves is a dynamic phase change process, and the leading and trailing ends of the waves are clearly different in nature.
During a shock wave, the properties of the fluid (density, pressure, temperature, flow rate, Mike number) change almost instantaneously.
Normal impact and oblique impact
According to the relationship between the shock wave and the fluid flow direction, the shock wave can be divided into normal shock and oblique shock. In a normal shock, the shock wave propagates at a 90-degree angle perpendicular to the flow direction, while an oblique shock forms an angle with the flow direction. These two types of shock waves alter the fluid in slightly different ways, but both lead to similar results: characteristic high-pressure areas in the flow field.
Energy transformation of shock wave
As the shock wave is transmitted, the energy will be converted in some form. When the wave passes through matter, the energy is retained, but the entropy increases. This results in a reduction in the energy that can be extracted from the material after it experiences the shock wave, which in turn affects the efficiency of fuel and energy conversion. For example, in an aircraft traveling at supersonic speeds, shock waves often cause significant pressure drag, affecting flight performance.
From ocean waves to gas shock waves
Shock waves can also form in other environments, such as in the ocean, where waves can quickly grow in shallow water as they crash into the shore, eventually forming shock waves. This wave phenomenon is called wave breaking, during which the speed of the wave crest exceeds that of the trough, causing the wave's energy to be released in the form of sound and heat.
When a wave crashes towards the shore, the resulting shock wave releases the wave's energy, generating sound and heat.
Shock waves in technology applications
The physical properties of shock waves are also widely used in the field of science and technology. For example, in jet engines or rocket propulsion systems, shock waves can help achieve efficient compression of the airflow. In addition, some advanced engine designs use shock waves to improve combustion efficiency. For example, the wave disk engine uses shock waves to convert energy between high-energy fluid and low-energy fluid.
Observation and detection of shock waves
Due to the sharp discontinuity of shock waves, advanced numerical calculations and experimental observation techniques are crucial to capture and detect shock waves. In fluid dynamics, computing flow fields combined with shock waves often becomes a challenge. Properly capturing and identifying shock waves can not only help improve the performance of technological equipment, but also prevent potential damage.
Does Shockwave's transformation only depend on speed? Or is it equally closely related to other environmental factors?
