Critical Mach Number(Mcrit)

Definition

The Mach number at which airflow over some part of the aircraft first reaches the speed of sound. Beyond this speed, shock waves form causing drag rise, buffeting, and potential loss of control.

Related Terms

Mach Number

The ratio of true airspeed to the local speed of sound. Mach 1.0 is the speed of...

Mach Tuck

A nose-down pitching tendency that occurs when shock waves on the wing move the ...

Transonic

The speed regime between Mach 0.8 and 1.2 where both subsonic and supersonic air...

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