Abstract
Using analytical methods the stability of a linear supersonic shear layer is re-examined. Two mechanisms working both for Kelvin–Helmholtz-type modes and sonic modes are responsible for instabilities caused by the shear: resonant interaction between modes and energy loss due to acoustic radiation of modes having negative energy. Which of these mechanisms is dominant sensitively depends on the density contrast between the shear layer and the surrounding medium. A close relation to the instability of accretion tori discovered by Papaloizou & Pringle is found.

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