Question

Hugoniot equation is physically dependent on whether the shock wave is stationary or moving.

(a) True

(b) False

This question was posed to me in exam.

Question is from Moving Normal Shock Waves topic in division Unsteady Wave Motion of Aerodynamics

Answer 1

Correct choice is (b) False

Easy explanation: Hugoniot equation is given by:

e2 – e1 = \( \frac {p_1 + p_2}{2}\)(v1 – v2)

This is derived from the three governing equations – Continuity, momentum and energy equations for a moving shock wave. This equation gives idea of how the thermodynamic variables such as energy, pressure changes across the normal shock wave. It is not dependent on whether the shock wave is stationary or not.