Sonic-boom propagation through a stratified atmosphere.

Theoretical approach to the problem of predicting the sonic-boom signature due to a maneuvering aircraft, with outline of the resulting calculation method. This method includes the effects of a variable, stratified atmosphere, and is based on geometric-acoustic principles. A nonlinear distortion is used to account for the weak shock field. The analytical results are compared with experimental data and excellent agreement was found, particularly with regard to signature length.