Supersonic flow occurs when an object moves through a fluid, such as air, at a speed greater than the speed of sound. The speed of sound varies with temperature and altitude, but at sea level, it is approximately 343 meters per second (1,125 feet per second). In this state, shock waves form, leading to unique aerodynamic characteristics and changes in pressure and temperature. In aviation, supersonic flow is crucial for aircraft like the Concorde and military jets. These vehicles are designed to handle the challenges of flying faster than sound, including increased drag and potential structural stresses. Understanding supersonic flow is essential for engineers to create efficient and safe high-speed aircraft.