About Sonic Booms and Quiet Aircraft

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of sonic booms in the context of future aircraft that may utilize electric, noiseless engines. Participants explore whether such aircraft, if capable of flying faster than sound, would still produce sonic booms characterized by loud noise and potential damage, such as shattered windows.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about whether future noiseless aircraft would still generate sonic booms when flying faster than sound.
  • Another participant asserts that sonic booms will still occur, as they are caused by the displacement of air rather than engine noise.
  • A reference to shock waves produced by unpowered projectiles is introduced, although its relevance to the main topic is not fully explored.
  • A later reply acknowledges the examples provided regarding shock waves, indicating a positive reception to the information shared.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is a disagreement regarding the implications of noiseless aircraft on the generation of sonic booms, with differing views on whether the absence of engine noise affects the phenomenon.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the technical details surrounding the mechanics of sonic booms or the specific conditions under which they occur, leaving some assumptions unaddressed.

royp
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Hello,
I am having this small confusion about sonic boom. Let's talk about aircrafts of the future -say having electric, noiseless engines (suppose). Essentially, these aircrafts practically generate no noise while flying. Now, if these aircrafts can travel faster than sound, will there still be sonic boom - in terms of loud noise and shattered window-glass?
 
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Welcome to the PF. :smile:

Yes, it will still generate a sonic boom, since that is caused by the air being displaced by the aircraft as it flies, not engine noise.

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/...6WTPipDkBoQYVezcHn4eyGwTJq7_5PX3TuIesl2d2VI1A

images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTZgnjSz6WTPipDkBoQYVezcHn4eyGwTJq7_5PX3TuIesl2d2VI1A.jpg
 

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ChemAir said:
Shock waves on un-powered projectiles...
Excellent examples! :biggrin:
 
Many thanks, berkeman - for a very clear explanation!
 
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