Question

The correct statement, for a flow across an oblique shock is

• A. component of velocity normal to shock decreases while tangential component increases
• B. component of velocity normal to shock increases while tangential component decreases
• C. component of velocity normal to shock is preserved while tangential component decreases
• D. component of velocity normal to shock decreases while tangential component is constant

Hint:

Tangential velocity remains constant; normal velocity decreases across oblique shock.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

In aerospace engineering, understanding the behavior of flow across an oblique shock wave is crucial. An oblique shock wave is a shock wave that forms at an angle to the oncoming flow direction, often encountered in supersonic flows. When analyzing how the velocity components change across such a shock wave, the following principles apply:

Velocity Components Across an Oblique Shock:

• Normal Component: The component of velocity that is perpendicular to the shock surface decreases because the shock wave compression results in a rise in pressure and density, causing the velocity to decrease.
• Tangential Component: The component of velocity parallel to the shock surface remains constant. This is because an oblique shock does not exert any force in the tangential direction, preserving the tangential velocity component.

Given these principles, the correct statement is: component of velocity normal to shock decreases while tangential component is constant.