THE SPEED OF

SOUND
SPEED OF SOUND
Speed of sound travel through a definite speed

Sound is transmitted by means of sound waves of alternate compression and rarefaction.

Air, in general is compressible. When a disturbance producing an infinitesimal pressure change

generated at a certain point, this disturbance is propagated through the air as a pressure wave at
a speed equal to the speed of sound. Knowing the magnitude of the speed of sound is
important, because if the flow velocity exceeds the propagation speed of disturbances, these
disturbances will pile up to form strong waves, called shock waves. These shock waves in turn
produce large changes in flow properties. One important consequence of all this is an increase
in drag.
SPEED OF SOUND

In the figures above, the fluid is flowing to the right with a velocity, V, in a tube of uniform
cross-sectional area, A. A pressure wave is travelling to the left with a velocity, Va. Assume
that the velocity of the flow, V, is equal in magnitude to the velocity of the pressure wave, Va.
Speed of Sound in Air
PROBLEM 1

Find the speed of sound at standard sea level conditions

PROBLEM 2
Find the speed of sound in air at an altitude of 12,000 ft