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For Students · Mach Cone

Mach Cone for a jet engine

Built for students learning it for a class or exam. See the concept move instead of memorizing formulas — and check your homework intuition. Simulate a jet engine 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.

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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.

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Frequently asked questions

Is this good for students?: Yes — this version of "Mach Cone for a jet engine" is framed for students learning it for a class or exam. See the concept move instead of memorizing formulas — and check your homework intuition.
Do I need to install anything?: No. It runs in any modern browser, free, with no account required.