Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.2 9/18/84; site jplgodo.UUCP Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!cbosgd!ukma!psuvm.bitnet!psuvax1!burdvax!sdcrdcf!oberon!smeagol!jplgodo!steve From: steve@jplgodo.UUCP (Steve Schlaifer x3171 156/224) Newsgroups: net.space,net.columbia,net.aviation Subject: Re: Shuttle sonic booms Message-ID: <540@jplgodo.UUCP> Date: Thu, 2-Jan-86 15:26:44 EST Article-I.D.: jplgodo.540 Posted: Thu Jan 2 15:26:44 1986 Date-Received: Sat, 4-Jan-86 04:42:00 EST References: <8512040306.AA22588@s1-b.arpa> <600@riccb.UUCP> <386@ubvax.UUCP> <8173@ucla-cs.ARPA> <261@spp1.UUCP> Organization: Jet Propulsion Labs, Pasadena, CA Lines: 29 Xref: watmath net.space:5085 net.columbia:1756 net.aviation:2315 > In article <8173@ucla-cs.ARPA> scw@ucla-cs.UUCP (Stephen C. Woods) writes: > >...Discussion of airflow dynamics deleted... Now the distance from the nose > >to the tail of the space shuttle is what? (150 feet??) so assuming > >(20000 feet & Standard Atm. and getting out my trusty pro-star. > >Mach 1 = 621 KTAS = 1048 FPS= ~.14 sec between the first boom and the > >second, but at 50000 Feet & SA Mach 5= 2743 KTAS = 4629 FPS = .03 seconds > >so it sounds like 1 (longer) boom). > > > > > > The math may be perfect, but I have to disagree with the last statement. The > shuttle sonic boom does NOT sound like one long boom. There are two > DISTICT booms, easily detected by the human ear. This is from simple > experiance - I have heard them several times as the shuttle passes almost > directly overhead on its way into Edwards. > > Phil Ritter > -- > Phillip A. Ritter It has always seemed to me, in fact, that the booms were seperated by at least .5 seconds (although I have never actually timed them). The two booms are quite distinct. ...smeagol\ Steve Schlaifer >!jplgodo!steve Advance Projects Group, Jet Propulsion Labs ....group3/ 4800 Oak Grove Drive, M/S 156/204 Pasadena, California, 91109 +1 818 354 3171