Formation of triple shock configurations with negative reflection angle in steady flows

Triple configurations of shock waves with negative reflection angles are considered. These configurations have been observed in quasi-steady cases of shock wave reflection from a planar wedge in real gases, while in steady cases three-shock configurations are only known to occur with positive reflection angles. Boundaries for the appearance of a three-shock configuration with a negative reflection angle in steady cases are analytically determined as dependent on the initial Mach number of the flow, angle of incidence, and adiabatic index. The formation of a three-shock configuration with a negative reflection angle in a steady flow must lead to a change in the character of the wave pattern, and under certain conditions it can lead to instability.