Can a Supersonic Car Navigate Safely on Public Highways?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the feasibility of a supersonic car navigating public highways safely. The unmanned vehicle utilizes powerful Reaction Control Systems (RCS) and flaps for maneuverability, while its jet engine is angled to minimize jet wash and lift torque. Key concerns include the destructive magnitude of shockwaves on surrounding vehicles and structures, as well as potential methods to mitigate these effects, drawing parallels to supersonic aircraft operations.

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  • Understanding of supersonic aerodynamics
  • Familiarity with Reaction Control Systems (RCS)
  • Knowledge of shockwave physics
  • Experience with jet engine mechanics
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  • Explore engineering solutions for mitigating shockwave effects
  • Study supersonic flight regulations and safety measures
  • Investigate advancements in unmanned vehicle technology
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Engineers, automotive designers, aerospace professionals, and policymakers interested in the implications of supersonic travel on public infrastructure and safety.

Artlav
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A car-sized device is running along a light-traffic highway at slightly above the speed of sound.
It is unmanned and equipped with powerful RCS and flaps to make the tight turns around other cars and road curves, thus following the road. The jet engine is tilted slightly upwards and points above the COG, thus preventing jet wash on the surrounding, pushing the device to the ground and countering any lift torque.

The questions are:
1. What will be the destructive magnitude of this disaster to the cars on the road and surrounding scenery/countryside buildings? I suppose the shockwave should be the main problem, but have no idea how big it is.

2. And, is there any real or slightly handwaved way to counter the destructive effects to somewhat acceptable limits?
 
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Supersonic aircraft make low passes without any harmful effects on most objects. If it was extremely close and large enough, some damage could occur. Example of a fly by between two navy boats (2nd half of video), note that the sound of a shock wave is like a crack. The boom doesn't occur until there's enough distance between super sonic object and listener that the shock wave dissapates into a normal but loud sound wave.

http://jeffareid.net/real/f14flyby.wmv


Also during experiements, jet aircraft are flown into the shock waves produced by other aircraft, again without damage.
 
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