Structure of a Plane Shock Layer

The structure of a plane shock wave is discussed and the expected range of applicability of the Navier-Stokes equations within the shock layer is outlined. The shock profiles are computed using the Bhatnagar-Gross-Krook model of the Boltzmann equation and a uniformly converging iteration scheme starting from the Navier-Stokes solution. It is shown that the Navier-Stokes solution remains a good approximation in the high-pressure region of the shock layer up to approximately the point of maximum stress for all shock strengths. In the low-pressure region, the correct profiles deviate with increasing shock strength from the Navier-Stokes solution. The physical significance of the kinetic model used and the relation of the present study to previous theoretical and experimental work is discussed.