Oblique shock waves are a type of shock wave that occurs in supersonic flow, characterized by the angle at which the shock wave interacts with the airflow. They form when an object moves through a fluid at a speed greater than the speed of sound, causing changes in pressure, temperature, and density of the fluid as it passes through the wave. These shock waves are critical for understanding how supersonic aircraft and projectiles behave in flight, influencing drag and stability.
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