When this value is exceeded, strong local shock waves develop, and pressure waves are unable to outdistance their source.
Pierre Gassendi determined that this value is frequency-independent, and G.L. Bianconi showed that it increases with temperature. When this value is exceeded, strong local shock waves develop, and pressure waves are unable to outdistance their source. Aerodynamic drag sharply increases when approaching this value, surpassed by Chuck Yeager. The ratio of fluid velocity to this value in the fluid is known as the Mach number. For 10 points, name this value that represents the rate at which a certain type of compression wave travels through a material.
Pierre Gassendi determined that this value is frequency-independent, and G.L. Bianconi showed that it increases with temperature.
{speed} of {sound} [prompt on early {Mach 1}]