What is what does it mean to break the sound barrier?

Breaking the sound barrier refers to exceeding the speed at which sound waves propagate through a medium, most commonly air. This speed, also known as Mach 1, varies depending on factors such as temperature and altitude. At sea level under standard conditions, it's approximately 767 miles per hour (1,235 kilometers per hour).

When an object approaches the speed of sound, the air ahead of it cannot move out of the way quickly enough. This leads to a build-up of air pressure, creating a shock wave. This sudden and intense change in pressure is what produces the audible "sonic boom" associated with <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/breaking%20the%20sound%20barrier">breaking the sound barrier</a>.

For aircraft, achieving supersonic speeds requires powerful engines and streamlined designs to overcome the increased drag and manage the intense aerodynamic forces involved. Historically, breaking the sound barrier was a significant engineering feat, requiring considerable research and development to overcome the challenges posed by <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/compressibility">compressibility</a> effects and the potential for structural damage.