transonic flow

Transonic flow occurs when an object moves through air at speeds close to the speed of sound, typically between about 0.8 and 1.2 times the speed of sound. In this regime, some parts of the airflow around the object are moving faster than sound waves can travel, creating complex effects like shock waves—sudden changes in pressure and temperature. This mix of subsonic and supersonic areas can cause increased drag, noise, and structural stress on the object, making it a critical consideration in the design of aircraft and aerospace engineering to ensure stability and safety at high speeds.