Numerical simulation of shock waves with nonunique structure (Q1608242)

From authors' summary: An infinitesimal perturbation of trans-Alfvénic shock wave (TASW) results in its disintegration and, therefore, in a finite change in the flow pattern or in its transformation into a different pattern. In this paper, this prediction is confirmed by numerical simulation. The secondary TASW developing as a result of disintegration is also unstable and tends to disintegrate. In the case of a periodic perturbation, the TASW evolution has the form of an oscillatory disintegration in which the wave transforms into a diffrent TASW and back into its original form.