Free Republic
Browse · Search
Bloggers & Personal
Topics · Post Article

To: MyTwoCopperCoins

“The actual speed of sound varies depending on the altitude above sea level because sound travels at slightly different speeds at different temperatures, and the temperature varies according to altitude. At sea level, the speed of sound is about 761 miles per hour (1,225 kilometers per hour). At 20,000 feet (6,096 meters), the speed of sound is 660 miles per hour (1,062 kilometers per hour). “

So let’s split the difference for easy numbers and just say Mach 1 is 700 mph. Mach 2 would be 1,400 mph. To go from stable cocpit air to 1,400 mph resistance would just beat you to a bloody pulp.


12 posted on 07/27/2009 1:00:22 PM PDT by FreedomFerret
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies ]


To: FreedomFerret
The air resistance at that speed on even a hunched human body (presenting, say, only 2 sq. ft. of surface area to the wind) would be around 9000 lbs. Enough to decelerate what was left of your body at around 50 Gs.

Dead man, instantly.

31 posted on 07/27/2009 1:17:58 PM PDT by Palmetto
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 12 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
Bloggers & Personal
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson