Published online by Cambridge University Press: 13 March 2009
This paper considers the steady two-dimensional problem of regular reflexion and symmetric intersection of oblique magnetogasdynamic shock waves. It is assumed that the fluid medium is a non-viscous, non-heat-conducting, ideal gas of infinite electrical conductivity, and that the applied magnetic field is parallel to the velocity of the approaching stream. In view of the complexity of the shock relations, a graphical method is presented for determining the orientation and strength of the reflected shock wave in terms of the Laval number M*1 (flow speed divided by critical sound speed), the Alfvén number A1 (flow speed divided by Alfvén speed), and the shock angle ϑ 1 ahead of the incident shock. Moreover, the possible ranges of M*1, A1, and ϑ 1, for which regular reflexion may occur, are calculated and illustrated graphically for the case of a monatomic gas.