The Mach number behind an oblique shock wave, often denoted as , represents the ratio of the velocity of the flow behind the shock to the local speed of sound in that region. It’s a crucial parameter in the analysis of compressible fluid dynamics and shock waves, particularly in situations where the flow undergoes abrupt changes in its properties due to an oblique shock.
- Mach number behind the wave (M2)
- Specific heat ratio (γ)
- Mach number ahead of the shock wave (M1)