120,000 ft dive

[Softus]

Assuming Joe K's data to be correct ... I am not sure exceeding the speed of sound is impossible by a falling person...

I don't think we have enough information yet.

The two drag factors are air resistance and shock wave.

Without either of those, any body, of any mass, would accelerate to a value beyond the speed of sound after falling for about 6km (around 3.75 miles).

In the earth's atmosphere, even at rarified heights, air resistance at the speed of sound would have a heating effect. I don't know how to work out what the temperature could reach, but clearly it's an objective that the speed of the skydiver doesn't cause him to be incinerated.

Regarding the shock wave(s) that present the 'sound barrier', I don't know whether or not these waves depend on the presence of an atmosphere in order to exist at all. Since the simplistic, but correct, view is that sound cannot travel in a vacuum, then I'm inclined to expect that the intensity of any shock wave, and therefore the drag it presents, is proportional to the density of the atmosphere. Therefore, I'm inclined to expect that 'breaking the barrier' is easier the further away from the earth that the skydiver starts his descent.

Another practical consideration is the means of deceleration. I don't know much about parachutes, but attempting to open and function at the speed of sound seems a lot to ask of one. The ground would decelerate him exceedingly successfully, but he would be unlikely to live long enough to enjoy the celebrity ensuing his silent 'sonic boom'.

 

[megawatt]

You've been Wiki'ing again Trazor.

The Earth's gravitational force does vary marginally according to a scalar gradient but, in all aeronautical calculations, it is assumed to be 9.8 m/s squared.

MW

 

[AtoZ]

argue over this.. i saw a discovery programme about the X flights, this was tagged on to it.
i dont know if its true only that someones been there and done that..
those pavement gaps are looking good to me.


Colonel Joe Kittinger

1928 -

First To Fly Solo Across The Atlantic Ocean In A Helium Balloon, 1984

Inducted in 1998

Joe Kittinger, a native of Orlando, Florida, and eventually a Colonel in the Air Force, began flying aircraft in 1949. Kittinger qualified in practically all types of flying machines including hang gliders, hot air and gas balloons, propeller driven aircraft, and jet aircraft.

On August 16, 1960, he set three world records: the highest parachute jump (102,800 feet), the longest parachute free fall (4 minutes 36 seconds), and the first person to exceed the speed of sound without an aircraft or space vehicle (714 mph during free fall). In September 1984, Kittinger set a world record for the longest distance flown in a 3,000 cubic meter helium balloon.

 

[Softus]

Colonel Joe Kittinger
.
.
.
the first person to exceed the speed of sound without an aircraft or space vehicle (714 mph during free fall).

There are conflicting reports that give his maximum speed as being 614mph.

 

[Trazor]

You've been Wiki'ing again Trazor.

The Earth's gravitational force does vary marginally according to a scalar gradient but, in all aeronautical calculations, it is assumed to be 9.8 m/s squared.

MW

I didn't Wiki that, I thought most people knew that gravitational force was dependant on the distance between 2 objects......Simple physics.

You can post all you like about maths/physics, I will be here to correct you......

 

[AtoZ]

Colonel Joe Kittinger
.
.
.
the first person to exceed the speed of sound without an aircraft or space vehicle (714 mph during free fall).

There are conflicting reports that give his maximum speed as being 614mph.

possibly. i dont know. my point was about the jump in the first place.

i know they did it for research at that time and i can understand that, but i see that we have one life and i cant see why anyone should risk theirs for something thats been done. some might say that he will jump from higher. i say "so what".

i saw clarkson drive a toyota pick up to the north pole, i dont see that as an achievement (except for toyota)it not like using dogs or even walking (the english way)

aerodynamics... hoo hoo..
i had no idea aerodynamics was about dog chains... yank'it and the dog tries to bite

 

[AtoZ]

can i add
each to their own.
but i still cant see the point.
i suppose my teenage son will be impressed, if he ever gets his ipod speakers out of his ears long enough to hear about the altitude attempt..





i'll bet my son will be the one to tell me; if matey gets splated

 

[luke_vibert_uk]

Just as I said in previous threads, and this one MW...it dont seem like its just me with this opinion of you....

 

[wobs]

Interesting subject.

See link for info on freefall:
http://hypertextbook.com/facts/JianHuang.shtml

It gives the maximum velocity of the guy in 1960 as above the speed of sound, although says this claim is unreliable.

An good read though

Edit:
Just seen that this link has already been put up!

 

[Trazor]

Edit:
Just seen that this link has already been put up!

Welcome wobs, you should fit in nicely here............

 

[empip]

Anyway, here's old Joe Kittenger chatting.. He, by the way, has confirmed 614 mph 90% speed of sound at that height.
The presenter here says "..at the speed of sound.." For a tv prog I guess tis as near as 'f'k it' is to swearing...

Some life he has lived - more of the 'right stuff' I guess.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VdSeDqU3EY


BTW. He weighed in at 165 lbs and carried 155 lbs of equipment. 320 lbs in all... Has an effect.

 

[empip]

Dr. Joseph N. Yoon Does not dismiss the possibility out of hand ...

He answered a question here The final paragraph is interesting.

 

[jefoss]

glad i finally started a subject that people are interested in that wasnt about boobies!!!

to add to my op i copied the info from a newspaper, it interested me and i hope that it goes ahead as with all the modern day technology we will all know the speeds he gets up to etc.

and the 770mph quote softus was from same paper.

 

[tim west]

Whatever speed it ends up being it's going to be pretty damn fast and i'm not sure what type of harness will be attached to the parachute but my concern is the sudden stopping forces, would a human spine be compacted or crushed by these forces?
Any medical people reading this thread could answer this?

Or will the canopy be sophisticated enough to gradually apply stopping power?

 

[megawatt]

The drogue chute serves this purpose Tim (as well as pulling out the main canopy).