Enter the local flow velocity and the speed of sound in the medium into the calculator to determine the Mach number.
- Speed of Sound Calculator
- Sound Pressure Level Calculator
- Relative Velocity Calculator
- Prandtl Meyer Expansion Velocity Calculator
- Mach Number to Velocity Calculator
Mach Number Formula
The following formula is used to calculate a Mach number.
M = u / c
- Where M is the Mach number
- u is the local velocity
- c is the speed of sound in the medium
To calculate the match number divide the local velocity by the speed of sound in the medium.
Mach Number Definition
A Mach number is defined as the ratio of a local velocity to the speed of sound.
Mach Number Example
How to calculate a Mach number?
- First, determine the speed of the object.
Measure the speed of the object in the medium. The units for speed can be anything as long as the same units are used for the speed of sound.
- Next, determine the speed of sound.
Calculate the speed of sound. Use the calculator linked about to help you.
- Finally, calculate the Mach number
Using the formula, calculate the Mach number and analyze the relative speed.
FAQ
What factors affect the speed of sound in a medium?The speed of sound in a medium is primarily affected by the medium’s temperature, density, and composition. For instance, sound travels faster in warmer air due to increased energy and movement of air molecules. Similarly, sound travels faster in solids than in liquids, and faster in liquids than in gases, because of the differences in density and the way particles interact in these states of matter.
How does the Mach number change with altitude?As altitude increases, the air density and temperature decrease, which in turn affects the speed of sound. The speed of sound decreases with a decrease in temperature and density, leading to changes in the Mach number for a given velocity. This is why aircraft flying at high altitudes can achieve higher Mach numbers at lower speeds relative to the ground.
Can objects other than aircraft achieve Mach numbers greater than 1?Yes, objects other than aircraft can achieve Mach numbers greater than 1. This phenomenon is not limited to aircraft; for example, bullets, space vehicles during re-entry, and even some natural phenomena like meteorites entering the Earth’s atmosphere can travel at speeds exceeding the speed of sound in their respective mediums, thus achieving Mach numbers greater than 1.
