Question

When a shock wave forms continuous pattern, it is called ________

(a) Oblique shock

(b) Bow shock

(c) Normal shock

(d) Detonation

This question was addressed to me in exam.

My doubt stems from Velocity of Sound or Pressure Wave in a Fluid in section Compressible Flow of Fluid Mechanics

Answer 1

Correct answer is (b) Bow shock

Best explanation: Bow occurs when the Mach number is greater than one. It occurs at the upstream of the front of a blunt object. It happens when the velocity exceeds Mach 1. When a shock wave forms continuous pattern, it is called a bow shock.