On the configuration of shock waves enclosing a local supersonic zone (Q1083955)

The problem of shock waves enclosing a local supersonic zone (LSZ) is considered. The possibility of obtaining the ''inverse \(\lambda\)-like'' configuration is pointed out. The first shock in such configuration appears inside the LSZ. An infinite discontinuity of the second derivatives propagates from the point of its origin along the \(c^+\) characteristic and arrives at the sonic line. This in turn may lead to the appearance of a second shock forming, together with the first shock, the configuration in question.