Sound boom happens when the speed of of a flying object exceeds that of the sound traveling in air. It's not easy to generate such a linear speed. However, this can be relatively easily generated by rotational motion. In other words, if we rotate an object, let's say a disk, fast enough, the speed of disk at the edge can easily be supersonic.
So here are my questions: Has anyone tried similar experiments? What happens when the speed at the edge of the disk exceeds that of sound?
Thank you Robert. Your reply is very informative. So "the relative speed of earth with respect to ether" is not even a valid question, because the earth drags ether with it. In other words, the Michelson-Morley experiments could be pointless. I cannot help but thinking the rippling effect of this conclusion -- taking off this cornerstone of modern physics.
I guess you are probably right about sound boom effect of a spinning object, but I'm still optimistic about options that make this happen. You might wonder why I'm looking into this. I vaguely feel that this might provides a mechanism to generate lifting forces for flying disks.
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Correction