Mach Number

M = \frac{v}{v _{so u n d}}

Ratio of object speed to speed of sound. M > 1 is supersonic.

Variables

M

Mach number

Dimensionless velocity ratio

unitless

v

Object velocity

Speed of moving object

m/s

v_sound

Speed of sound

In the medium

m/s

Derivation

By definition. M < 1 subsonic, M = 1 sonic, M > 1 supersonic, M > 5 hypersonic.

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