Lena Torres
Explosions and supersonic objects can both be said to break the sound barrier. When an object travels faster than sound, it creates a sonic boom, a loud noise that can be felt as a sudden jolt or vibration and is often described as sounding like an explosion or a gunshot. This sonic boom is caused by the pressure change created when an object travels faster than the speed of sound, resulting in a shock wave. The sound of a sonic boom depends on various factors, including the distance between the observer and the object, as well as the shape of the object producing the boom. While explosions and objects breaking the sound barrier both produce loud and sudden noises, the mechanisms behind these booms differ. Explosions are typically the result of a rapid chemical reaction, while sonic booms are created by the pressure and sound waves generated when an object surpasses the speed of sound.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition of breaking the sound barrier | When an object travels faster than the speed of sound |
| Speed of sound | 343-345 m/s or 767-770 mph at sea level and 22 degrees Celsius |
| Speed of sound at 35,000 feet | 295 m/s or 660 mph at -54 degrees Celsius |
| Speed of sound at 68 degrees Fahrenheit | 343 m/s or 767 mph |
| Speed of sound at 750 mph | 1200 km/h |
| Sonic boom | A thunder-like noise caused by an object moving faster than sound; often described as an explosion |
| Sonic boom pressure | A few pounds per square foot |
| Sonic boom perception | Affected by temperature variations, humidity, atmospheric pollution, winds, and the ground surface |
| Sonic boom reduction | Possible through careful shaping of the vehicle |
| Supersonic speed | Speeds greater than the local speed of sound |
| Mach number | Speed of the object divided by the speed of sound |
| Supersonic aircraft | Aircraft flying faster than Mach 1 |
| Top speed of supersonic aircraft | Typically up to 1,500 mph |
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What You'll Learn
Sonic booms
As an object approaches supersonic speed, the sound waves in front of it pile up, compressing the air and creating a pressure barrier. When the object exceeds the speed of sound, it breaks through this barrier, resulting in a sonic boom. This pressure change can be significant, causing a loud explosion-like sound that can be damaging, particularly in the case of large aircraft. The intensity of the boom is greatest directly below the flight path and decreases on either side.
The sound of a sonic boom can be influenced by various factors, including the distance between the observer and the object, the shape of the object, and the surrounding environment. For example, hard surfaces such as concrete or large buildings can amplify the sound, while grassy fields and foliage can help reduce its strength.
While sonic booms cannot be completely prevented, research suggests that careful shaping of the vehicle can reduce their impact. For example, NASA has been working on the Low Boom Flight Demonstrator, which aims to minimize the sonic boom to the level of a car door closing.
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Supersonic aircraft
The development of supersonic aircraft presents substantial technical challenges due to the dramatic differences in aerodynamics compared to subsonic flight. As an aircraft approaches the speed of sound, it encounters increased aerodynamic drag, requiring greater engine power and more streamlined airframes. This results in a compromise between aerodynamic efficiency at low and high speeds. One solution is the use of a variable-geometry "swing-wing", which adjusts its position based on the speed of the aircraft. Another approach is the use of a delta wing, which generates a vortex that energises the flow on the upper surface of the wing, delaying flow separation and providing a high stall angle.
The sound associated with an aircraft breaking the sound barrier is known as a sonic boom, which can be extremely loud and may cause minor damage to structures. Sonic booms are created by the shock waves generated when an object travels faster than the speed of sound, causing a sudden pressure differential. The sound is similar to an explosion or a thunderclap and can be heard on the ground as a deep double "boom". The intensity of the boom depends on factors such as the distance between the observer and the aircraft, with the region where the boom can be heard referred to as the "boom carpet".
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Shock waves
When an object travels faster than sound, it breaks the sound barrier. This creates a sonic boom, which sounds like an explosion or a thunderclap. The sonic boom is caused by the shock waves that are produced when an object travels through the air faster than the speed of sound. These shock waves have numerous applications outside of aviation, including in medicine, where they are used to break up kidney and gallstones in a technique called extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy.
As an object approaches the speed of sound, it faces an invisible pressure barrier set up by the sound waves ahead of it. The sound waves propagating in front of the object get crowded together, compressing the air and creating a pressure difference. This pressure difference across the wave front is what constitutes a shock wave.
As the object exceeds the speed of sound, the sound waves can no longer move fast enough to get out of the object's way. The sound waves pile up on each other, creating a cone-shaped sound pressure with its vertex at the nose of the object. This cone-shaped wave front is similar to the bow wave of a boat moving through water.
The sonic boom is the sound that is heard when the shock wave passes an individual. It is often described as a deep, thunder-like noise that can be felt as a sudden jolt or vibration. The sound is usually heard as a double "boom" and is much like that of mortar bombs. The intensity of the boom depends on the distance between the observer and the object, as well as the shape of the object. Hard surfaces such as concrete and large buildings can amplify the sound of a sonic boom, while grassy fields and foliage can help reduce its strength.
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Speed of sound
The speed of sound is a scientific concept referring to the velocity at which sound waves propagate through a medium, such as air. It is denoted by the term "Mach 1", with supersonic speeds being any speeds greater than this. The speed of sound varies depending on temperature and air density; at sea level and standard atmospheric conditions of 22° Celsius, sound waves travel at 345 meters per second or approximately 770 miles per hour. At 68° Fahrenheit, the speed of sound is about 343 meters per second or 767 miles per hour at sea level.
As an object approaches the speed of sound, it faces an increase in aerodynamic drag due to the compression of air molecules in front of it. This phenomenon is often described as "breaking through the sound barrier." When an object exceeds the speed of sound, it creates a "sonic boom," a thunderous noise akin to an explosion or a gunshot. This boom is caused by the pressure changes resulting from the object travelling faster than the sound waves it produces.
Sonic booms can be generated by various objects, including aircraft, bullets, and bullwhips. They are particularly noticeable with supersonic aircraft, where the boom can be loud and startling, sometimes causing minor structural damage. The intensity of the boom depends on factors such as distance, aircraft shape, temperature, humidity, atmospheric pollution, and the presence of reflective surfaces.
The sound of a sonic boom is often described as a deep double "boom", and it can be felt as a sudden jolt or vibration. It is not limited to the moment an object crosses the sound barrier but is continuous throughout the supersonic flight. While sonic booms are inevitable with certain aircraft designs, some theoretical models, such as the Busemann biplane, are believed to eliminate them. NASA is also working on technology to reduce the intensity of sonic booms to make supersonic flight more feasible.
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Sound barrier
The speed at which sound travels is known as the sound barrier. The speed of a sound wave varies with temperature and air density, increasing by about 0.6 m/s for every degree Celsius increase in temperature. At sea level, sound waves travel at 345 meters per second (770 miles per hour) at 22° Celsius, and at 68° Fahrenheit, the speed of sound is about 343 meters per second (767 miles per hour).
As an object approaches the speed of sound, it must overcome the pressure barrier set up by the sound waves ahead of it. This results in a noticeable increase in aerodynamic drag. When the object exceeds the speed of sound, it enters the supersonic realm, and a "sonic boom" occurs. This sonic boom is a thunderous explosion of sound energy, similar to a thunderclap or an explosion, that can be startling and sometimes damaging. It is caused by the pressure change created as the object outruns the sound waves in front of it.
The sonic boom is not limited to aircraft but can be produced by any object exceeding the speed of sound, such as a bullet or the tip of a bullwhip. The intensity of the boom depends on factors like distance, aircraft shape, temperature, humidity, atmospheric pollution, and the presence of hard surfaces that can reflect and amplify the sound.
The region where the sonic boom can be heard is called the boom carpet, and the intensity decreases as you move away from the flight path. NASA is working on technology to reduce the sonic boom's impact, aiming to minimize it to the sound of a car door closing.
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Frequently asked questions
A sonic boom is a deep, thunder-like noise that can be felt as a sudden jolt or vibration, caused by an object moving faster than sound. It is often described as sounding like a loud explosion or gunshot.
When an object travels faster than sound, it creates a shockwave. This pressure change is what creates the sonic boom.
Any object exceeding the speed of sound can create a sonic boom, including airplanes, bullets, and the tip of a bullwhip.
A sonic boom is often described as sounding like an explosion or a thunderclap. The sound is influenced by factors such as distance, aircraft shape, temperature, humidity, and the presence of hard surfaces that can reflect the sound waves.
