detached shock wave

detached shock wave

[di′tacht ′shäk ‚wāv]

(fluid mechanics)

A shock wave not in contact with the body which originates it.

detached shock wave

A shock wave not in contact with the body that originates it. It is formed when the body is flying at supersonic speeds. The airflow becomes subsonic and then accelerates to supersonic. Also called detached shock.