The deflection angle is the angle by which the flow is turned by a shock wave or an expansion wave. In hypersonic limit, the deflection angle approaches zero as the Mach number goes to infinity. This means that the flow becomes nearly parallel to the wave in hypersonic limit.
- Deflection angle (θ) in rad
- Mach number of the flow ahead of the shock (M1)
- Shock angle (β) in rad
- Specific heat ratio (𝛾)