Mechanism for the transition from a regular reflection to a mach reflection or a von neumann reflection

In this paper, by taking into account the thickness of the incident shock as well as the influence of the boundary layer, we point out that even in a regular reflection there should be present a contact discontinuity. By using the smallest energy criterion, the inclined angle of this contact discontinuity can be determined for differen incident angle. Then, with this inclined contact discontinuity, together with the law of conservation of mass, the mechanism for the transition from a regular reflection to a Mach reflection or a von Neumann reflection becomes clear. The important roles played by the leftest point in the reflected shock polar are identified.