AMTStandards.orgAviation maintenance

Normal shock wave

A shock wave that forms ahead of a blunt object moving through the air at the speed of sound. The shock wave is normal (perpendicular) to the air approaching the object. Air passing through a normal shock wave is slowed to a subsonic speed and its static pressure is increased.

Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook — Airframe, p. G-24

Also defined in 1 more source

A type of pressure wave that forms at right angles to a surface when air moves at the speed of sound.

Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook — Powerplant, p. G-19