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A condensation cloud forms around an interstage as the Apollo 11 Saturn V encounters max Q, at about 1 minute 20 seconds into the flight (altitude 12.5 km, 4 km downrange, velocity 440 m/s).

In aerospace engineering, max Q is the point of maximum dynamic pressure, the point at which aerodynamic stress on a spacecraft in atmospheric flight is maximized.

Considering the definition of dynamic pressure: q = ρv2 / 2, we have that such quantity:

Therefore there will be necessarily a point where the dynamic pressure is maximum: that point is precisely max Q.

In other words, below the max Q point, the effect of the spacecraft acceleration overcomes the decrease in density. Above the max Q point, the opposite is true.

During a normal Space Shuttle launch, for example, max Q is at an altitude of around 11 km (35,000 ft).[1] During a typical Apollo mission, max Q occurred approximately between 13 km and 14 km of altitude (43,000 ft - 46,000 ft).[2][3]

See also


Kategoria:Astronautyka Kategoria:Dynamika płynów