False-colour, high-speed differential interferometry image of an arrow-shaped projectile flying supersonically at around Mach 3. The speed of sound, d

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False-colour, high-speed differential interferometry image of an arrow-shaped projectile flying supersonically at around Mach 3. The speed of sound, designated Mach 1, is 331 metres per second (m/s). The image was produced at the Franco-German Research Institute, Saint-Louis, France, an organisation which specialises in ballistics research. Imagery of this kind is used to evaluate the aeroballistic properties for new designs of shells & bullets. Stability in flight is particularly important, especially so at high speeds, where the wind speed's influence on the rocket's trajectory (flight curve) is increased.

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Size: 5321px × 3600px
Photo credit: © PHILIPPE PLAILLY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: ballistics, differ., differential, high, high-speed, image, interferometry, laser, photo, photographic, photography, projectile, science, scientific, speed, technique, techniques, technology, yag