Lighthill's work on shock waves

Lighthill’s work focused on understanding how shock waves—rapid, high-pressure disturbances—form and propagate, especially in fluids like air. His research provided a detailed theoretical framework explaining how these waves are generated, such as by rapid motion of objects like aircraft or explosions. He analyzed the non-linear behavior of waves that lead to sharp changes in pressure and density, helping scientists predict and control shock waves. This understanding is crucial for designing faster aircraft, reducing noise, and improving safety in aeronautics and engineering.