The speed of sound at sonic flow, denoted as a*, refers to the velocity at which pressure waves propagate through a fluid medium when the flow velocity of the fluid matches the local speed of sound. In other words, it’s the speed at which disturbances in pressure, density, and temperature travel through the fluid. At sonic flow conditions, the local speed of the fluid matches the speed at which pressure waves can propagate, leading to changes in pressure becoming unable to travel upstream.Â
- Specific heat ratio (γ)
- Specific gas constant (R) in J/kg*K
- Temperature of sonic flow (T*) in K
- Speed of sound (a*) in m/s