What is the Difference Between Supersonic and Hypersonic?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between supersonic and hypersonic speeds lies in their relationship with the speed of sound. The key distinctions are:
- Supersonic: This term refers to speeds faster than the speed of sound, which is approximately 761 mph or 1,100 feet per second in air. In aviation, Mach 1 flight is considered breaking the sound barrier. The term "supersonic" is used to describe flight regimes where the Mach number (the ratio of the speed of the aircraft to the speed of sound) is greater than 1.
- Hypersonic: Hypersonic flight occurs at speeds of Mach 5 or higher, which is five times the speed of sound or more. The flow is considered hypersonic when the Mach number is greater than 5. Hypersonic flight is a significant achievement and represents the next step in aviation advancements.
In summary, all hypersonic speeds are supersonic, but not all supersonic speeds are hypersonic. Supersonic speeds are faster than the speed of sound, while hypersonic speeds are at least five times faster than the speed of sound.
Comparative Table: Supersonic vs Hypersonic
The main difference between supersonic and hypersonic speeds lies in their respective Mach numbers, which represent the ratio of an object's speed to the speed of sound (approximately 767 miles per hour or 1,235 kilometers per hour). Here is a table comparing the two:
| Feature | Supersonic | Hypersonic |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Flight at speeds above Mach 1 | Flight at speeds between Mach 5 and Mach 10 |
| Engine Type | Can be achieved using jet engines | Typically requires scramjets or ramjets |
| Speed | Faster than the speed of sound (Mach 1) | Significantly faster than the speed of sound, typically between Mach 5 and Mach 10 |
| Airframe Heating | Heating of the airframe at high speeds produces high surface temperatures, requiring unique materials | Kinetic heating on the airframe at high speeds produces high surface temperatures, requiring unique materials |
| Shock Waves | In supersonic flows, the formation of shock waves and expansion waves significantly impact the performance of the wing or airfoil | At hypersonic speeds, the shock waves are powerful, and the air undergoes significant temperature changes that affect its chemistry |
| Future Developments | Future of supersonic flight may involve waverider vehicles that use shock waves generated by their flight to create lift and reduce drag | The future of hypersonic flight is likely to involve waverider vehicles that use the shock waves generated by their flight to create lift and reduce drag |
In summary, supersonic flight refers to speeds faster than the speed of sound, while hypersonic flight involves significantly faster speeds, typically between Mach 5 and Mach 10. Both types of flight require unique engines and materials to handle the extreme conditions created by high-speed flight.
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