On sound waves of finite amplitude

Abstract

An analytical solution of Riemann’s equations for the one-dimensional propagation of sound waves of finite amplitude in a gas obeying the adiabatic law p = k ρ γ is obtained for any value of the parameter γ. The solution is in the form of a complex integral involving an arbitrary function which is found from the initial conditions by solving a generalization of Abel’s integral equation. The results are applied to the problem of the expansion of a gas cloud into a vacuum.