Shock Waves
Shock waves are rapid changes in pressure and temperature that propagate through a medium, such as air or a gas, faster than the speed of sound. In the context of space and astronautical engineering, shock waves can occur during supersonic flight, re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere, and in the interaction between a spacecraft and the surrounding plasma. Shock waves can cause damage to spacecraft and can also be harnessed for propulsion, such as in the case of a supersonic combustion ramjet engine. Understanding and controlling shock waves is important for the design and operation of spacecraft and for the safety of astronauts.
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