Why Do Shocks Form in Aerospace Engineering?

In summary, shocks form when a fluid encounters an obstacle, such as an aircraft wing, and experiences sudden changes in properties such as pressure, temperature, and velocity. This creates a shock wave that travels away from the object at supersonic speeds and is essential for understanding and designing high-speed objects.
  • #1
fayaazhussain
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I have completed my undergraduation in aerospace engineering. Inspite of studying all subjects there is one basic question which is left unanswered for me..Why do shocks form? Can anyone answer it please?
 
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  • #2
Yikes!

The short answer is that the speed of sound is the fastest the air can get out of its own way, so if you try to move air faster, it builds up and gets out of the way at the fastest speed it can: the speed of sound.

Slightly longer: An airplane (or anything else moving through air) is continuously disturbing the air all around it - building a pressure profile - and this disturbance propagates and creates itself at the speed of sound. When the airplane reaches the speed of sound, the air in front of it can no longer get away from the plane to build that pressure profile because to do that, it would have to move faster than the speed of sound. So it piles-up at the leading edge and propagates away along a straight line, who'se angle is determined by the speed of the object vs the speed of sound. That's the shock wave.

http://www.physicsclassroom.com/class/sound/u11l3b.cfm
 
  • #3


Shocks form due to the sudden change in the properties of a fluid (such as air) when it encounters an obstacle, such as an aircraft wing. This change in properties includes an increase in pressure and temperature, and a decrease in velocity. These sudden changes create a shock wave, which is a region of high pressure and temperature that travels away from the object at supersonic speeds. This phenomenon is explained by the laws of fluid dynamics and is essential for understanding and designing aircraft and other high-speed objects. I hope this helps answer your question!
 

1. Why do shocks form in aerospace engineering?

Shocks form in aerospace engineering due to the high speeds at which aircraft and spacecraft travel. As the object moves through the air, it creates a disturbance in the surrounding air molecules, causing a sudden change in air pressure. This results in a shock wave, which is a region of high pressure and temperature that forms around the object.

2. What causes the high pressure and temperature in shock waves?

The high pressure and temperature in shock waves are caused by the compression of air molecules as they are forced to move around the object at high speeds. This compression leads to a significant increase in air density, resulting in a rise in air pressure and temperature.

3. How do shocks affect aerospace vehicles?

Shocks can have both positive and negative effects on aerospace vehicles. On the positive side, shocks can increase the overall lift and stability of an aircraft, allowing it to fly faster and more efficiently. However, shocks can also cause drag and vibrations, which can decrease the efficiency and performance of the vehicle.

4. Can shocks be controlled or minimized in aerospace engineering?

Yes, shocks can be controlled and minimized through various design techniques and technologies. These include using streamlined shapes, employing shock-absorbing materials, and utilizing advanced aerodynamics and propulsion systems. However, completely eliminating shocks is currently not possible.

5. What are some potential dangers of shocks in aerospace engineering?

Shocks can pose significant dangers to aerospace vehicles, such as increased drag and vibrations, which can lead to decreased performance and potentially cause damage to the vehicle. Additionally, shock waves can also produce loud sonic booms, which can be harmful to both the vehicle and the surrounding environment. Therefore, it is essential to consider and manage shocks in aerospace engineering to ensure the safety and efficiency of the vehicles.

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