Sonic boom
Article
A sonic boom is the sound produced when shock waves generated by an object travelling faster than sound reach an observer. It is not a single event emitted only when the sound barrier is crossed.
A supersonic object continuously creates pressure disturbances that combine into a Mach cone. As this cone sweeps across the ground, an observer experiences a sudden rise and fall in pressure.
Aircraft often produce a double boom associated with pressure changes near the nose and tail. Boom strength depends on speed, altitude, size, shape, flight path, atmosphere, and distance from the track.
Sonic booms can startle people, disturb wildlife, and damage fragile structures at high intensity. Low-boom aircraft research aims to reshape the pressure signature and reduce community impact.
Source details and credits
- Source / publisher: Wikipedia
- URL type: WWW
- Credits: Wikipedia
- URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sonic_boom