Discrete Self-Similarity in Ultra-Relativistic Type-II Strong Explosions

Abstract

A solution to the ultra-relativistic strong explosion problem with a non-power law density gradient is delineated. We consider a blast wave expanding into a density profile falling off as a steep radial power-law with small, spherically symmetric, and log-periodic density perturbations. We find discretely self-similar solutions to the perturbation equations and compare them to numerical simulations. These results are then generalized to encompass small spherically symmetric perturbations with arbitrary profiles.