On strong shock waves of annihilation

Abstract

In the framework of special relativity theory, we give a piecewise-constant solution to the onedimensional problem of collision of a combination of particles and antiparticles with a flat wall which results in an annihilation shock wave. We assume that there is a complete transition of antimatter into the energy of remaining matter and outgoing radiation directed from the wall and, in its turn, separated from the incoming flow by a null rupture surface. The initial pressure in the mixture is neglected. We have constructed and investigated the Taub annihilation adiabat, including the Jouguet mode. Several limiting cases are considered as well, including a small concentration of antimatter, a small difference between the concentrations of matter and antimatter, the absence of directional radiation, and nonrelativistic velocity of the incoming flow.