Abstract: Using the example of the interference of symmetrical opposite oblique shocks (a problem similar to the reflection of an oblique shock from a wall), the problem of hysteresis in the processes of transition from regular to Mach reflection and vice versa is considered. Brief information about the mathematical theory of rearrangements of shock waves and shock-wave structures is given. It is shown that there is a unique and complete classification of admissible forms of rearrangements. The interaction of opposite shocks has been studied numerically and experimentally by the hydroanalogy method. The conclusions from the theory and the results of numerical and full-scale studies are compared. It is shown that the transition from regular to Mach reflection occurs in accordance with the detachment criterion (in the Englishlanguage references) or the criterion of the maximum rotation angle at a given shock intensity (in the Russian-language references) and the principle of maximum delay (a term introduced in the singularity theory of smooth mappings). Such a transition is accompanied by an abrupt change in the intensity and angle of inclination of the reflected shocks. The transition from Mach to regular reflection occurs according to the criterion of a stationary Mach configuration (in terms introduced by V. N. Uskov), which corresponds to the Maxwell principle in the singularity theory of smooth mappings.

Keywords: hysteresis, Mach interference, rearrangement, regular interference, shock wave, transformation, shock, shock-wave structure.

For citation: Bulat P. V. Rearrangements and transformations of shock-wave structures under the interference of oblique shocks under conditions of ambiguity and hysteresis. Aerospace Engineering and Technology. 2023. Vol. 1. No. 2, pp. 12–32.