Shock Structure in a Simple Discrete Velocity Gas

Abstract

The structure of a shock wave in a simple discrete velocity gas—a gas in which the molecules move with a finite set of velocities—is discussed. The Boltzmann equation becomes, for this gas, a set of coupled differential equations which, in the present example, can be solved exactly. The solution describes an infinite Mach number shock in a gas consisting of hard elastic spheres. Although only six molecular velocities are considered, and the solution is easy to obtain, it compares remarkably well with those of other investigators.