bow shock
The term "bow shock" is used in various scientific fields to describe a shock wave that forms when a supersonic flow encounters an obstacle, causing abrupt changes in physical properties.
Definition
C1Fluid Dynamics
(technical, academic)A shock wave created at the front of an object moving faster than the speed of sound in a fluid, leading to sudden changes in pressure, temperature, and density.
Example
- The spacecraft experienced a bow shock as it re-entered the Earth's atmosphere at supersonic speeds.
C1Astronomy
(technical, academic)A region where the solar wind decelerates abruptly due to interaction with a planet's magnetosphere, causing a sudden change in the speed and properties of the plasma.
Example
- Scientists study the bow shock of the Earth's magnetosphere to understand the impact of solar wind on our planet.
C1Aerodynamics
(technical, academic)A curved disturbance wave formed when a supersonic flow encounters a blunt object, significantly increasing drag.
Example
- Engineers must account for bow shocks when designing high-speed aircraft to minimize drag.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "bow shock":