The description of simple waves by particle displacement (Q1247771)

The propagation of simple waves is described in terms of particle displacement, with particular application to gas dynamics. The representation is applied to shocks, where it is shown that for a shock satisfying both kinematic and dynamic conditions, the simple wave theory is inadequate. The conflict between the two conditions must lead to a change in entropy (or its analogy) or to the appearance of a wave originating at the shock.