Ernst Mach of experimental physics concentrated on the interference, diffraction, polarization and refraction of light in different media under external influences. From there followed important explorations in the field of supersonic fluid mechanics. Mach and physicist-photographer Peter Salcher presented their paper on this subject in 1887; it correctly describes the sound effects observed during the supersonic motion of a projectile. They deduced and experimentally confirmed the existence of a shock wave of conical shape, with the projectile at the apex. The ratio of the speed of a fluid to the local speed of sound "v"/"v" is now called the Mach number. It
Bluebird Mach 1.1 Bluebird Mach 1.1 Bluebird Mach 1.1 (CMN-8) was a design for a rocket-powered supersonic land speed record car, planned by Donald Campbell but thwarted by his subsequent death during a water speed record attempt in "Bluebird K7" in early 1967. Donald Campbell decided a massive jump in speed was called for following his successful 1964 LSR attempt in "Bluebird CN7". His vision was of a supersonic rocket car with a potential maximum speed of 840 mph, referred to as "Bluebird Mach 1.1". Norris Brothers were requested to undertake a design study. Campbell, ever superstitious, chose a lucky date to hold