We consider the propagation of waves of small finite amplitude ε in a gas whose internal energy is characterized by two temperatures T (translational) and Ti (internal) in the form e = CvfT + CvfTi, and Ti is governed by a rate equation dTi/dt = (T − Ti)/τ. By means of approximations appropriate for a wave advancing into an undisturbed region x > 0, we show that to order εδ, the equation satisfied by velocity takes the non-linear form \[ \bigg(\tau\frac{\partial}{\partial t}+1\bigg)\bigg\{\frac{\partial u}{\partial t}+\bigg(a_1+\frac{\gamma + 1}{2}u\bigg)\frac{\partial u}{\partial x}-{\textstyle\frac{1}{2}}\lambda\frac{\partial^2u}{\partial x^2}\bigg\}=(a_1-a_0)\frac{\partial u}{\partial x}, \] where a1, a0 are the frozen and equilibrium speeds of sound in the undisturbed region, δ = ½(1 − (a20/a21)), and λ is the diffusivity of sound due to viscosity and heat conduction (λ may be neglected except when discussing the fine structure of a discontinuity). Some numerical solutions of this model equation are given.

When ε is small compared with δ, it is also possible to construct a solution for the flow produced by a piston moving with a constant velocity by means of a sequence of matched asymptotic expansions. The limit reached for large times for either compressive or expansive pistons is the expected non-linear solution of the exact equations. For a certain range of advancing piston speeds, this is a fully dispersed wave with velocity U in the range a0 < U < a1. If U > a1 the solution is discontinuous, and indeterminate in the absence of viscosity; a singular perturbation technique based on λ is then used to determine the structure of the wave head.