Prandtl-Glauert Singularity
Also known as the N- wave: this can occur under the speed of sound. Because of the FAA rules, these planes are not allowed to break the sound barrier. The only exception where I was at Edwards and a couple of F-16's broke the sound barrier in a tribute to Chuck Yeager.
The Prandtl–Glauert singularity is the position at which a rapid change in air pressure takes place, commonly acknowledged is the reason of condensation of water droplets in the atmosphere that frequently surrounds a fighter plane traveling at transonic speeds.( under the speed of sound). In other words, there is low pressure thus low temperature. If there is enough moisture, the condensation occurs. You need to go to an air show near the ocean to see the Prandtl-Glauert Singularity. Here is a list of ones I have witnessed and photographed: Moffitt, Salinas, Watsonville, Travis, and San Francisco air shows. When they announce: the plane is going to do high speed pass, get your camera ready! Personally, I have seen this a lot with the F-18 Hornet.
There are other shots in this gallery where you see left generated condensation, and vortices which has to do with Bermoulli equation. You have to interested in fluid mechanics to appreciate what goes on out there.
Read MoreThe Prandtl–Glauert singularity is the position at which a rapid change in air pressure takes place, commonly acknowledged is the reason of condensation of water droplets in the atmosphere that frequently surrounds a fighter plane traveling at transonic speeds.( under the speed of sound). In other words, there is low pressure thus low temperature. If there is enough moisture, the condensation occurs. You need to go to an air show near the ocean to see the Prandtl-Glauert Singularity. Here is a list of ones I have witnessed and photographed: Moffitt, Salinas, Watsonville, Travis, and San Francisco air shows. When they announce: the plane is going to do high speed pass, get your camera ready! Personally, I have seen this a lot with the F-18 Hornet.
There are other shots in this gallery where you see left generated condensation, and vortices which has to do with Bermoulli equation. You have to interested in fluid mechanics to appreciate what goes on out there.