Sonic boom

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Sonic boom

Mach cone

N-wave

File:Sonicbm2.ogg

sonicbm2.ogg

Large-Scale Low-Boom Supersonic Inlet Model

Sonic boom refers to the loud noise that is heard when an object travels through the air at a speed faster than sound. This phenomenon occurs because as the object moves, it compresses the air in front of it, creating a series of pressure waves. When the object reaches the speed of sound, these pressure waves merge into a single shock wave, which travels to the ground and is heard as a sonic boom.

Causes

The primary cause of a sonic boom is an object moving through the air at a speed greater than the speed of sound, known as supersonic speed. This can include aircraft, rockets, and even some whips when cracked. The speed of sound, approximately 343 meters per second (1,235 kilometers per hour or 767 miles per hour) at sea level and at 20°C (68°F), varies with temperature and atmospheric conditions.

Characteristics

A sonic boom is not a one-time event like a gunshot but rather a continuous effect that persists for as long as the object remains at supersonic speeds. The boom is experienced in a path along the ground underneath the flight path, known as the "boom carpet." The width of this carpet is dependent on the altitude and speed of the aircraft; the higher the aircraft, the wider the boom carpet.

Impact

The impact of a sonic boom can range from a minor nuisance to potential damage to buildings and other structures. It can also cause distress to wildlife and livestock. Due to these impacts, there are regulations in place in many countries that limit supersonic flight over populated areas.

Mitigation and Research

Efforts to mitigate the effects of sonic booms include the development of aircraft designed to minimize the shock waves that cause booms. This research aims to enable supersonic travel over land with reduced sonic boom intensity, making it more acceptable to communities below. The NASA X-59 QueSST (Quiet Supersonic Transport) is an example of an aircraft being developed to achieve quieter supersonic flight.

In Popular Culture

Sonic booms have been featured in various forms of popular culture, including movies, television shows, and video games, often associated with high-speed aircraft or superheroes capable of breaking the sound barrier.