Past exam of the theoretical mechanics course of the University of Oxford / 2007 / B / 8 / Solution

Work in the rest frame of the planar shock, with nonzero mass flux $j=\rho u$. Conservation of mass gives $[j]=0$; the tangential and normal components of balance of linear momentum give $[jv]=0$ and $[p+ju]=0$. Thus $[v]=0$. For an ideal gas, specific internal energy is $e=c_{v}T=p/[(\gamma -1)\rho ]$, and specific enthalpy is $e+p/\rho =\gamma p/[(\gamma -1)\rho ]$. Total energy flux is $j[(u^2+v^2)/2+e+p/\rho ]$. Its continuity, with $v$ already continuous, givesPut $c^2=\gamma p/\rho$ and $M=u/c$. Since $p=ju/(\gamma M^2)$, the normal component of balance of linear momentum says $u[1+1/(\gamma M^2)]$ is constant. HenceThe energy equation says $u^2[1/2+1/((\gamma -1)M^2)]$ is constant, givingSet $a=M_{-}^2$, $b=M_{+}^2$, square the first relation and equate to the second. After clearing positive denominators the equation factors asThe first factor is the unchanged state. For a genuine shock the second factor vanishes, yieldingThe physical selection principle is entropy increase in the direction of flow. For $u_{\pm }>0$, the upstream side is $x<0$ and the downstream side is $x>0$. A compressive entropy-admissible shock has $\boxed{M_{-}>1,M_{+}<1}$; interpreting the printed “ahead” and “behind” spatial labels must respect these explicit side assignments. The expansion-shock branch would violate the second law.

Substitution gives the velocity ratioSince $v$ is unchanged while the normal component decreases, $|v|/u$ increases. Thus an oblique flow bends towards the shock plane, equivalently away from its normal. If $v=0$ there is no angular bending; the flow stays normal and simply slows. The tangential continuity, not a change in the tangential speed, causes the deflection.