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Mach's contribution to the Doppler Effect
Ernst Mach was successful in producing the Doppler effect in the laboratory by means of a simple piece of apparatus and in demonstrating the correctness of Doppler's formula for the dependence of the sound-wave frequency on the movement of the source. Reichenbach, H. “Contributions of Ernst Mach to Fluid Mechanics.” Annual Review of Fluid Mechanics 1983, pp. 1–29 -
Conical Mach Waves
Mach was studying supersonic fluid mechanics with photographer Peter Salcher. They published their paper accurately describing sound effects observed when an object is super sonic. "It was Mach's idea to photograph a high-speed projectile in flight in a
darkened room by means of an electric spark of extremely short duration. The spark should be both light source and shutter." Reichenbach, H. “Contributions of Ernst Mach to Fluid Mechanics.” Annual Review of Fluid Mechanics,1983, pp.1–29 -
Ernest Mach (b.1838 -d.1916)
In conclusion with his methodical approach, his knowledge of optical apparatus, and his all-round experimental ability he made accessible a new field in physics-the field of supersonic flow of gases. His experiments opened the door to supersonic flight and modern ballistics. Reichenbach, H. “Contributions of Ernst Mach to Fluid Mechanics.” Annual Review of Fluid Mechanics, pp. 1–29 -
Mach Number
Ernst Mach laid the ground work for the speed of sound. He is considered the founder of supersonic aerodynamics. Although he did carried out the fundamental research it was J. Ackeret the suggested the ratio of flow speed to local sound speed be called Mach number. “Speed of Sound.” NASA, NASA, www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/k-12/airplane/sound.html. Reichenbach, H. “Contributions of Ernst Mach to Fluid Mechanics.” Annual Review of Fluid Mechanics,1983, pp.1–29
