Shock Wave
A extremely thin propagating pressure disturbance characterized by a nearly instantaneous jump in pressure, temperature, and density.
Governing formula
P2 / P1 = 1 + (2γ / (γ + 1)) (M1² - 1)
SI unit
Pa
In depth
Forms when physical disturbances travel faster than local sound speed, forcing fluid properties to change irreversibly across a thin boundary layer.
Examples in the real world
Explosion blast waves or bow shock waves surrounding supersonic re-entry vehicles.