Where do the powerful sound waves primarily reflect from, causing damage to the rocket?
Answer
The flame trench designed to redirect the exhaust
When the exhaust plume strikes the flame trench, powerful sound waves reflect upward, directed back toward the rocket structure, sensitive electronics, and the payload.
Related Questions
What is the primary purpose of flooding the launch pad with water just before ignition?What sound pressure level can be generated beneath a powerful rocket engine bell?What is the key mechanism that allows the Sound Suppression System (SSS) to manage acoustic energy?Where do the powerful sound waves primarily reflect from, causing damage to the rocket?What is one potential consequence if acoustic reflections are allowed to strike the rocket unimpeded?What analogy is used to describe the sheer acoustic energy released during a large rocket liftoff?How does the resulting steam cloud mitigate the sound hazard?What is the estimated volume of water needed for a large launch vehicle's Sound Suppression System?What specialized engineering challenges are involved in the physical delivery of the water?Besides targeting the flame trench, what is another potential water distribution strategy mentioned?