2002/01/01 by Martin Brouillette · 2 citations
Physics and Astronomy · Engineering · #Laser-Plasma Interactions and Diagnostics #Computational Fluid Dynamics and Aerodynamics #Laser-Matter Interactions and Applications #Richtmyer–Meshkov instability #Instability #Mach number #Physics #Compressibility #Compressible flow #Turbulence #Shock (circulatory) #Nonlinear system #Shock wave #Mechanics #Statistical physics
paper · doi:10.1146/annurev.fluid.34.090101.162238
openalex publication_date 2002/01/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/06/26
▪ Abstract The Richtmyer-Meshkov instability arises when a shock wave interacts with an interface separating two different fluids. It combines compressible phenomena, such as shock interaction and refraction, with hydrodynamic instability, including nonlinear growth and subsequent transition to turbulence, across a wide range of Mach numbers. This review focuses on the basic physical processes underlying the onset and development of the Richtmyer-Meshkov instability in simple geometries. It examines the principal theoretical results along with their experimental and numerical validation. It also discusses the different experimental approaches and techniques and how they can be used to resolve outstanding issues in this field.