Propagation of non-planar weak and strong shocks in a non-ideal relaxing gas

In this article, the kinematics of one-dimensional motion have been applied to construct evolution equations for non-planar weak and strong shocks propagating into a non-ideal relaxing gas. The approximate value of exponent of shock velocity, at the instant of shock collapse, obtained from systematic approximation method is compared with those obtained from characteristic rule and Guderley’s scheme. Computation of exponent is carried out for different values of van der Waals excluded volume. Effects of non-ideal and relaxation parameters on the wave evolution, governed by the evolution equations, are analyzed.