Stoßwellenentstehung

Stoßwellenentstehung, or shock wave formation, is a phenomenon that occurs when a disturbance travels faster than the speed of sound in a medium, such as air or water. This results in the formation of a shock wave, which is a region of rapid and abrupt changes in pressure, temperature, and density. The process begins when an object, such as an aircraft or a bullet, moves through the medium at supersonic speeds. As the object moves, it compresses the air in front of it, creating a region of high pressure. This compressed air then moves forward at the speed of sound, forming a shock wave. The shock wave is characterized by a sudden increase in pressure and temperature, followed by a rapid decrease. The formation of shock waves is responsible for the sonic boom heard when an object breaks the sound barrier. Shock waves can also occur in other media, such as water, and have various applications in fields like aerodynamics and underwater acoustics.