A normal shock wave is a type of discontinuity that occurs in supersonic flows, where there is an abrupt change in flow properties such as pressure, temperature, and density. It typically forms when a high-speed gas flow encounters a sudden decrease in cross-sectional area or an obstacle, resulting in a significant increase in pressure and a decrease in velocity across the shock front. This phenomenon is crucial for understanding how compressible flows behave in various aerodynamic and thermodynamic scenarios.
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