Sonic point of a scalar flux (source code)

= Sonic point of a scalar flux
{title2=$f\prime(s_*)=0$}

= Stagnation point of a scalar flux
{synonym}

For a differentiable <scalar conservation law> $u_t+f(u)_x=0$, a <sonic point of a scalar flux> is a state $s$ where its <characteristic speed> $f'(s)$ vanishes. If $f$ is convex and this zero is unique, $f'<0$ on the left and $f'>0$ on the right, so $s$ is the unique minimum of the flux. The definition refers to a vanishing transport speed in a <scalar conservation law>. In compressible <fluid mechanics>, a <sonic point> instead refers to flow at the local sound speed.