Question

The free stream Mach number for which the entire flow around the body is subsonic is called

• A. Critical Mach number
• B. Lower critical Mach number
• C. Upper critical Mach number
• D. Supercritical Mach number

Hint:

Knowing the critical Mach number of an aircraft is crucial for avoiding undesirable effects associated with transonic speeds, such as shock waves and sudden drag rise.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Define Critical Mach Number.
The critical Mach number is the lowest Mach number at which the airflow over any point of the aircraft or airfoil becomes supersonic. Below this Mach number, all flow over the aircraft is subsonic.