Enter the Mach number into the Calculator. The calculator will evaluate the Mach Angle. 

Mach Angle Formula

MA = ASIN ( 1/ M) *57.2958

Variables:

  • MA is the Mach Angle (degrees)
  • M is the Mach number

To calculate Mach Angle, take the inverse sine of the ratio of 1 over the Mach number.

How to Calculate Mach Angle?

The following steps outline how to calculate the Mach Angle.

  1. First, determine the Mach number. 
  2. Next, gather the formula from above = MA = ASIN ( 1/ M) *57.2958.
  3. Finally, calculate the Mach Angle.
  4. After inserting the variables and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.

Example Problem : 

Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.

mach number = 1.5

FAQs

What is the Mach number and how is it determined?

The Mach number is a dimensionless quantity in fluid dynamics that represents the ratio of the speed of an object moving through a fluid to the speed of sound in that fluid. It is determined by dividing the speed of the object by the speed of sound in the fluid.

Why is the Mach Angle important in aerodynamics?

The Mach Angle is crucial in aerodynamics because it defines the angle of the shock wave produced by an object moving at supersonic speeds relative to the object’s direction of motion. This angle has significant implications for the aerodynamic properties of the object, including drag and lift.

How does the speed of sound affect the calculation of the Mach number?

The speed of sound is a critical factor in calculating the Mach number because the Mach number is the ratio of an object’s speed to the speed of sound in the same medium. Since the speed of sound can vary with temperature, pressure, and medium composition, these factors indirectly affect the Mach number.

Can the Mach Angle be greater than 90 degrees?

No, the Mach Angle cannot be greater than 90 degrees. The Mach Angle is defined by the inverse sine of the reciprocal of the Mach number, and since the sine function has a maximum value of 1, the inverse sine of any real number cannot exceed 90 degrees.