Mach at Altitude Calculator

Mach Number Formula:

\[ M = \frac{v}{\sqrt{\gamma \times R \times T}} \]

Velocity:

m/s

Temperature at Altitude:

Ratio of Specific Heats (γ):

Gas Constant (R):

J/kg·K

Mach Number (M):

Unit Converter ▲

Unit Converter ▼

From:	To:

1. What is a Mach at Altitude Calculator?

Definition: This calculator determines the Mach number (ratio of object's speed to speed of sound) at a given altitude based on velocity, temperature, and atmospheric properties.

Purpose: It helps aeronautical engineers, pilots, and aviation enthusiasts calculate the Mach number for aircraft performance analysis at different altitudes.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ M = \frac{v}{\sqrt{\gamma \times R \times T}} \]

Where:

\( M \) — Mach number (dimensionless)
\( v \) — Velocity of the object (m/s)
\( \gamma \) — Ratio of specific heats (1.4 for air)
\( R \) — Specific gas constant (287 J/kg·K for air)
\( T \) — Temperature at altitude (K)

Explanation: The Mach number is calculated by dividing the object's velocity by the speed of sound at that altitude, which depends on temperature and air properties.

3. Importance of Mach Number Calculation

Details: Mach number is critical in aerodynamics as it affects aircraft performance, drag, and compressibility effects. Different flight regimes (subsonic, transonic, supersonic) are defined by Mach number ranges.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the velocity in m/s, temperature at altitude in Kelvin, ratio of specific heats (default 1.4 for air), and gas constant (default 287 J/kg·K for air). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why does temperature affect Mach number?
A: The speed of sound depends on temperature (√(γRT)), so Mach number varies with altitude temperature even at the same true airspeed.

Q2: What's a typical γ value for air?
A: For dry air at standard conditions, γ (gamma) is approximately 1.4.

Q3: When would I change the gas constant value?
A: Use 287 J/kg·K for dry air. For different gas mixtures (like humid air), adjust accordingly.

Q4: How do I find temperature at altitude?
A: Use standard atmospheric tables or equations. In ISA conditions, temperature decreases by 6.5°C per km up to 11 km.

Q5: What Mach number indicates supersonic flight?
A: Mach 1 is the speed of sound. Mach > 1 indicates supersonic flight, while Mach > 5 is hypersonic.