Dissipative structure of shock waves in fluids having large specific heat

Abstract

Recent studies indicate that the nonlinearity parameter 1 + B/2A may become negative in fluids whose specific heats are sufficiently large. The present study examines the dissipative structure of weak shocks in such fluids and contrasts the results obtained with those of the classical Taylor structure. Estimates for the thickness will also be presented. Conditions under which the thickness increases, rather than decreases, with increasing shock strength will be given.