Anomalous Reflectivity of Shock Waves

Abstract

EXPERIMENTAL and theoretical data on the reflexion of light from shock waves have given conflicting results. Hornig et al.^1–3 have proposed that, because the shock front separates two regions of different density, Fresnel-type reflexions should occur. Further, they have demonstrated that such reflexions can be observed from shock fronts propagating in dry atmospheres in shock tubes. Mallory⁴ has observed a reflexion of a ruby laser beam from the vicinity of a shock front produced by an explosive detonation in air. He found the intensity of the reflected light was three or four orders of magnitude greater than that which could be explained on the basis of a Fresnel reflexion. It seemed that a different phenomenon was giving rise to such reflexions.