Do I need to install anything?

No. It runs in any modern browser, free, with no account required.

For K-12 Students · Mach Cone

Mach Cone for a gliding albatross

Built for k-12 students learning it in middle or high school. Watch the idea come alive with plain-language steps and everyday examples — perfect for projects and homework. Simulate a gliding albatross live below — adjust the inputs and watch it respond, right in your browser.

Mach Cone & Sonic BoomLive

supersonic shock geometry

Controls

Presets

Mach number

Below the speed of sound, pressure waves race ahead of an aircraft. At and above Mach 1 the aircraft outruns its own sound, and the waves pile into a cone-shaped shock — the sonic boom. The faster it flies, the more sharply swept the Mach cone: its half-angle is arcsin(1/M). This geometry governs supersonic and hypersonic vehicle design.

▶ Run in Python

Data Inspector

Mach2.0

Regimesupersonic

Cone half-angle30.0°

Governing equation

μ = arcsin \frac{1}{M} = arcsin \frac{a}{v} = arcsin \frac{1}{2.0} = 30. 0^{\circ}

Reading this result: At Mach 2.0 the half-angle is arcsin(1/M) = 30.0° — faster flight sweeps the Mach cone tighter around the flight path.

Runs locally in your browser — free forever. Scale to the cloud when reality gets heavy.

or unlock everything with Pro →

Also for:Students Researchers Educators Engineers Hobbyists & Makers First Responders General version →

More with Mach Cone

Mach Cone for a passenger jet wing Mach Cone for a rocket ascent Mach Cone for a drone quadcopter Mach Cone for a glider Mach Cone for a paper airplane Mach Cone for a Mars lander Mach Cone for a satellite reentry Mach Cone for a model rocket

Frequently asked questions

Is this good for k-12 students?: Yes — this version of "Mach Cone for a gliding albatross" is framed for k-12 students learning it in middle or high school. Watch the idea come alive with plain-language steps and everyday examples — perfect for projects and homework.
Do I need to install anything?: No. It runs in any modern browser, free, with no account required.