Aerodynamics

Compressibility

Definition

Effects that occur when air can no longer be treated as incompressible, typically above Mach 0.3. At transonic speeds, shock waves form causing increased drag, buffeting, and changes in control effectiveness.

Related Terms

Mach Number

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

Critical Mach Number(Mcrit)

The Mach number at which airflow over some part of the aircraft first reaches th...

Shock Wave

A thin region of extremely rapid pressure and temperature increase that forms wh...

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