Mach wave

A Mach wave is a type of shock wave that occurs when an object moves through a fluid, like air, faster than the speed of sound. It’s similar to the ripples caused when a boat moves through water but happens in the air. When an object exceeds the speed of sound, it generates these waves that spread out in a cone-shaped pattern behind it. These waves carry sudden changes in pressure, causing a sonic boom. Mach waves are important in aerodynamics because they influence the design and behavior of high-speed aircraft and projectiles.