Shock Wave Angle (Mach Cone)

\sin(\theta) = \frac{v_{sound}}{v} = \frac{1}{M}

Half-angle of the Mach cone (shock wave) produced by supersonic object.

Variables

Mach angle

Half-angle of Mach cone

rad

v_sound

Speed of sound

In the medium

m/s

Object velocity

Supersonic speed

m/s

Mach number

Must be > 1

unitless

From geometry: sound wave travels v_sound·t while object travels v·t, forming cone with sin(θ) = v_sound/v.

0/5000