Mach number (M) - definition

The Mach number (M) is a dimensionless parameter used in fluid mechanics and aerodynamics to determine the relationship between the velocity of a moving object and the local speed of sound in the medium in which that object is moving. The value of the Mach number is a key indicator of the nature of the flow - distinguishing between subsonic, supersonic and hypersonic flow.

If the Mach number is less than one, the flow is referred to as subsonic. When the value exceeds one, we are dealing with supersonic flow, while at very high values one speaks of hypersonic flow. A Mach number equal to one indicates that the speed of sound has been reached and is referred to as a transonic state, often accompanying the formation of wave phenomena such as shock waves.

The use of the Mach number is particularly important in aviation, ballistics, wind tunnel design and space vehicle design. This parameter is also used in the description of gas flows in Cables, turbines, nozzles and jet engines. The value of the Mach number determines, among other things, the pressure, temperature and density distributions in the surroundings of a body moving relative to a medium. The speed of sound, on which the Mach number depends, varies with temperature, so the same object can have a different Mach number depending on the height of flight or atmospheric conditions.

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