MACH NUMBER Meaning and
Definition
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The Mach number is a dimensionless quantity used in the field of fluid dynamics to characterize the speed of an object, typically an aircraft, relative to the speed of sound. It is named after the Austrian physicist and philosopher Ernst Mach. The Mach number is defined as the ratio of the speed of the object to the speed of sound in the surrounding medium. It is denoted by the symbol "M".
Mathematically, the Mach number (M) can be calculated as follows:
M = V / C
Where V represents the velocity of the object and C represents the speed of sound. The speed of sound varies depending on factors such as altitude, temperature, and the composition of the medium through which the object is traveling.
The Mach number is of great significance in aerodynamics as it aids in determining the compressibility effects that occur at high speeds. When an object reaches or exceeds the speed of sound, it enters the regime of supersonic flow, and phenomena such as shock waves and sonic booms become prominent.
The Mach number is typically subdivided into several categories to indicate the object's speed relative to the speed of sound. These categories include subsonic (M < 1), transonic (M = 1), supersonic (M > 1), and hypersonic (M > 5). Each range is associated with specific aerodynamic characteristics, challenges, and engineering considerations.
Common Misspellings for MACH NUMBER
- nach number
- kach number
- jach number
- mzch number
- msch number
- mwch number
- mqch number
- maxh number
- mavh number
- mafh number
- madh number
- macg number
- macb number
- macn number
- macj number
- macu number
- macy number
- mach bumber
- mach mumber
Etymology of MACH NUMBER
The term Mach number is named after the physicist and philosopher Ernst Mach. Ernst Mach was an Austrian physicist who made significant contributions to the field of fluid dynamics, particularly in the study of supersonic flows. He was known for his work on the mechanics and effects of high-speed motion.
The concept of the Mach number, which represents the ratio of the speed of an object to the speed of sound in the surrounding medium, was introduced by Jakob Ackeret, a Swiss engineer, in the late 1920s. Ackeret named the dimensionless number Mach in honor of Ernst Mach due to his pioneering work on the subject.
Ernst Mach's influence in the field of fluid dynamics and his profound observations of high-speed motion led to the adoption of his name to represent the dimensionless ratio of speed, known as the Mach number.
