Published online by Cambridge University Press: 13 March 2009
Gasdynamical equations taking radiation energy density and ponderomotive pressure into account are investigated. Conditions for these quantities to be important are stated: low absorption, reflexion at cut-off. The density ratio in a discontinuity is studied as a function of ponderomotive pressure, absorbed intensity and Mach number in the initial state. Chapman–Jouguet conditions are defined. Compressive (R type) flows and rarefaction (D type) appear. The structure of the latter is discussed including plasma effects.