In this paper we study the interaction of a shock with an axisymmetric
longitudinal vortex. A linearized analysis for small vortex strength
is performed, and compared with results from a high-order axisymmetric
shock-fitted Euler solution. It is confirmed that for weak vortices,
predictions from linear theory agree well with results from nonlinear
numerical simulations at the shock location. To handle very strong lon
gitudinal vortices, which may ultimately break the shock, we use an ax
isymmetric high-order essentially non-oscillatory (ENO) shock-capturin
g scheme. Comparisons of shock-captured and shock-fitted results are p
erformed in their regions of common validity. We also study the vortex
breakdown as a function of Mach number ranging from 1.3 to 10, thus e
xtending the range of existing results. For vortex strengths above a c
ritical value, a triple point forms on the shock, leading to a Mach di
sk. This leads to a strong recirculating region downstream of the shoc
k and a secondary shock forms to provide the necessary deceleration so
that the fluid velocity can adjust to downstream subsonic conditions.