Simulations of hydrodynamic slab jets show that the reflection modes predicted by the linear theory are not disruptive but saturate at finite amplitudes through the formation of weak oblique shocks. The properties of these shocks are investigated. Oblique shocks arising from the second reflection mode are weaker, propagate faster and propagate with different obliquity than oblique shocks arising from the first reflection mode. The point of intersection between first and second reflection mode shocks moves outward along the jet faster than the jet speed by a scissors effect. This simulation presents the first evidence for phase effects moving at greater than the jet's flow speed. That cylindrical astrophysical jets should contain similar features is suggested by the linear analysis and by numerical simulation of axisymmetric cylindrical jets. Implications for astrophysical jets and for apparent superluminal motions resulting from phase effects are discussed and evidence for these features in astrophysical jets is presented.
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Hardee et al. (1989) studied this question.