Do I need to install anything?

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

For Educators · Mach Cone

Mach Cone for a satellite reentry

Built for educators teaching it to a class. Drop a live demo into a lecture or assign it as a shareable link — no lab installs. Simulate a satellite reentry 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 Engineers Hobbyists & Makers K-12 Students 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 model rocket Mach Cone for a wind-tunnel airfoil

Frequently asked questions

Is this good for educators?: Yes — this version of "Mach Cone for a satellite reentry" is framed for educators teaching it to a class. Drop a live demo into a lecture or assign it as a shareable link — no lab installs.
Do I need to install anything?: No. It runs in any modern browser, free, with no account required.