Ducted propagation of Concorde-generated shock waves

Ray tracings are used to describe long range propagation of acoustic energy from the shock cone of the Concorde. The measured pressure signatures are composed of one to five distinct wave groups arriving over a period of minutes. Close correspondence between the highest amplitude wave groups and the refracted arrival predicted by ray calculations is found with respect to arrival time and azimuth of phase propagation. Subsidiary wave groups may result from the diffracted ground wave and volume scattering of acoustic energy into shadow zones. Relevant acoustic propagation theory and the effect of the real atmosphere in modifying the measured waveforms are discussed.