Enter the Mach number and the speed of sound into the calculator to determine the velocity.

Mach Number to Velocity Formula

The following equation is used to calculate the Mach Number to Velocity.

V = M*c
  • Where V is the local velocity (m/s)
  • M is the Mach number
  • c is the speed of sound in the medium (m/s)

To calculate the local velocity, multiply the Mach number by the speed of sound in the given medium.

How to Convert Mach Number to Velocity?

Example Problem:

The following example outlines the steps and information needed to calculate the velocity from the Mach number.

First, determine the Mach number. In this example, the Mach number is found to be 3.25.

Next, determine the speed of sound in the medium. For this problem, the speed of sound in the medium is found to be 400 m/s.

Finally, calculate the velocity from the Mach number using the formula above:

V = M*c

V = 3.25 * 400

V =1300 m/s

FAQ

What is the Mach number?
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 used to express the speed of objects moving through air or other gases and is often used in aeronautics and aerospace engineering to describe the speed of aircraft and missiles.

How does the speed of sound vary in different mediums?
The speed of sound varies depending on the medium through which it is traveling. In general, sound travels faster in solids than in liquids, and faster in liquids than in gases. The speed of sound in air at sea level and at a temperature of 20°C (68°F) is approximately 343 meters per second (m/s). This speed can change due to factors such as temperature, humidity, and air composition.

Why is it important to calculate the velocity using the Mach number?
Calculating the velocity of an object using the Mach number is important in many fields, especially in aeronautics and aerospace engineering, where understanding the effects of supersonic and hypersonic speeds on aircraft is crucial. It helps in the design and testing of aircraft, ensuring they can withstand the physical stresses encountered at high speeds. Additionally, it is essential for predicting sonic booms and for the overall safety and efficiency of air travel.