An oblique shock wave is a type of shock wave that forms when a supersonic flow encounters a surface at an angle, causing a rapid change in flow properties like pressure, temperature, and velocity. Unlike normal shock waves, which occur perpendicular to the flow direction, oblique shocks bend the flow in a direction parallel to the surface and typically result in less energy loss. This phenomenon is crucial in compressible fluid dynamics, particularly in the study of airfoils and nozzles.
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