Aviation Glossary - Expansion Wave

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Expansion Wave

The change in pressure and velocity of a supersonic flow of air as it passes over a surface which drops away from the flow. As the surface drops away, the air tries to follow it. In changing its direction, the air speeds up to a higher supersonic velocity and its static pressure decreases. There is no change in the total energy as the air passes through an expansion wave, and so there is no sound as there is when air passes through a shock wave.

source: FAA Aviation Maintenance Technician Airframe Handbook (FAA-H-8083-31)

The change in pressure and velocity of supersonic air as it passes over a surface that drops away from the flow. As the surface drops away, the air tries to follow it, and in changing its direction, the air speeds up to a higher supersonic speed, and its static pressure decreases. There is no change in the total amount of energy as air passes through an expansion wave.

source: FAA Aviation Maintenance Technician Powerplant Handbook (FAA-H-8083-32)

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