A Theory for Spontaneous Mach‐Stem Formation in Reacting Shock Fronts. II. Steady‐Wave Bifurcations and the Evidence for Breakdown

Abstract

This paper continues earlier work of the authors on a theory for spontaneous Mach‐stem formation. Shock formation in smooth solutions of the scalar integrodifferential conservation law from paper I is demonstrated through detailed numerical experiments—this completes the basic argument from paper I. The steady‐state bifurcation of planar detonation waves into “shallow‐angle” reactive Mach stem structures is analyzed. The conclusions of this analysis agree with those predicted through the time‐dependent asymptotics in paper I and provide a completely independent confirmation of that theory.