Part 1/6:
Understanding Sonic Booms: From Phenomenon to Innovation
The roar of an aircraft breaking the sound barrier is a familiar experience for many, but the underlying phenomenon behind it is often misunderstood. When an aircraft surpasses the speed of sound, it isn't just a loud pop that occurs momentarily; rather, it generates a continuous sound wave known as a shock wave. This shock wave travels with the aircraft and creates what is colloquially called the "boom carpet"—a sonic boom heard over wide areas as these shock waves reach ground observers at different times.