Acoustics in Aerospace: The Science of Sonic Booms and Rocket Sound

Few things capture the imagination like the deafening roar of a rocket launch or the startling crack of a sonic boom. In this episode of The Sound Cave Lab Podcast, we’re joined by Tagg Durrant, a Stanford PhD student in Aerospace Engineering who’s worked with NASA, SpaceX, and Sierra Space. Tagg shared his insights into the incredible science and engineering behind these phenomena, as well as his personal journey into the exciting world of aerospace. To dive deeper, listen to the full episode at soundcavelabs.com.

Growing up near rocket launch sites, Tagg developed a passion for aerospace, which has only deepened with his research and hands-on experience. "When you see a rocket taking off for the first time... it's a mind-blowing experience," he shared. “The size of a skyscraper suddenly taking off into the sky – the power behind it is just incredible.” This visceral experience, paired with the thrill of capturing the immense sound waves produced by rockets and sonic booms, has driven Tagg to explore new frontiers in aerospace acoustics.

One of the fascinating topics Tagg discusses is the challenge of accurately measuring and controlling sound in aerospace. “Capturing the full spectrum of a rocket launch’s sound is really hard,” he noted. “The rocket’s movement, the range of frequencies, the sheer volume – everything adds layers of complexity.” Tagg and his team used carefully positioned microphones to measure the sound of rocket launches from varying distances, sometimes as far as 10 miles away. Even from that distance, the low-frequency rumble of a launch reverberates through your body – a testament to the immense power at play.

In addition to rocket launches, Tagg discussed his work on sonic booms, including a NASA project aimed at reducing the loudness of these booms for more sustainable, community-friendly flight. “Right now, if a military jet flies over your house at Mach 1.5, it sounds like an explosion and rattles your furniture,” he explained. “NASA’s X-59 project is hoping to bring the sonic boom down to something closer to a car door closing across the street.” This kind of work represents the future of supersonic and potentially hypersonic commercial travel – a future where innovation allows us to travel faster without disrupting our environments.

Tagg’s love for aerospace also shines through in his passion for making the field more accessible to others. He co-founded The Overview, a newsletter and podcast designed to support aspiring aerospace engineers by providing insights, advice, and stories from leaders in the field. "There’s no better time to get into aerospace engineering," Tagg emphasized. "This is a new space age, with opportunities ranging from sustainable aviation to Mars exploration." For anyone considering a career in this field, Tagg’s enthusiasm and insights are both encouraging and inspiring.

Want to learn more about the future of acoustics in aerospace? Tune in to The Sound Cave Lab Podcast at soundcavelabs.com and discover how sound shapes our exploration of the skies and beyond.