The interaction between a vortex or a pair of vortices and a shock is
studied by using two-dimensional direct numerical simulation. The defo
rmation of the shock structure is analyzed and the mechanisms leading
to the formation of triple points are underscored. It is shown that th
ey are related to the appearance of pressure gradients in the directio
n parallel to the shock resulting from the shock-vortex interaction. A
distribution of an inert chemical species, i,e., mixture fraction, is
prescribed within the vortex. From its time evolution, one analyzes t
he coupling between the response of the shock to the disturbance and t
he change in mixing rate, Modifications of the maximum of the scalar g
radient are observed in the direction perpendicular to the shock and a
lso, to a smaller extent, in the direction parallel to the shock.