The Aviationist Oct 14 22
Sonic booms and condensation clouds (explained):
Here's a primer on condensation clouds, sonic booms and Prandtl-Glauert Singularity.
theaviationist.com/2008/10/13/sonic-booms-and-condensation-clouds-explained/
Photo: theaviationist.com · view article
How Sonic Booms and Vapor Clouds FormVapor clouds form from pressure drops; sonic booms occur due to shock waves when aircraft exceed sound speed.
Key FactsOct 14, 2022 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: theaviationist.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: theaviationist.com
- Vapor clouds appear when rapid pressure decreases cause water vapor in the air to condense on aircraft surfaces under specific humidity and temperature conditions.
- Such clouds also occur during high-G maneuvers below supersonic speeds and are unrelated to the sonic boom itself.
- Cone-shaped clouds near sound speed result from the Prandtl-Glauert Singularity, caused by airflow disturbances affecting temperature and pressure.
- Sonic booms arise from shock waves formed by an aircraft moving faster than sound, producing a sharp pressure change perceived as a loud noise.
The shock wave forms a 'cone' of pressurized or built-up air molecules, which move outward and rearward in all directions and extend all the way to the ground.— Here's how NASA describes the phenomenon.
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