Shock Wave Propagation
Shock wave propagation refers to the movement of pressure waves through a medium, such as air, water, or solid materials. These waves occur when an object moves faster than the speed of sound in that medium, creating a sudden change in pressure. This phenomenon is commonly observed in events like explosions or sonic booms produced by aircraft.
As the shock wave travels, it compresses the surrounding medium, leading to a rapid increase in pressure and temperature. The wavefront moves outward in a cone shape, and its effects can be felt at considerable distances from the source. Understanding shock wave propagation is essential in fields like aerospace engineering and seismology.