The blog post explores the physics behind the distinctive "whoosh" sound created by passing objects like airplanes. It explains how this sound isn't simply the object's engine noise, but rather the Doppler-shifted frequencies of ambient noise—like wind, traffic, or conversations—being compressed as the object approaches and stretched as it recedes. This effect, similar to how a siren's pitch changes as it passes by, is most noticeable with fast-moving objects in relatively quiet environments. The post further delves into how our brains perceive these shifting frequencies, potentially misinterpreting them as the sound of the object itself and sometimes even creating phantom whooshing sensations when no physical source exists.
Ebenezer Clifford, a 19th-century planemaker in Maine, supplemented his income by diving for shipwrecks. He used a diving suit of his own design, featuring a helmet with a glass faceplate and a flexible hose supplying air from the surface. Clifford’s diving exploits, recovering items like anchors and cannons, were well-known locally. He apparently applied his ingenuity to both planemaking and diving, showcasing a remarkable combination of craftsmanship and adventurous spirit.
Hacker News users discussed the intriguing story of Ebenezer Clifford, a planemaker and diving bell inventor. Several commenters focused on the ingenuity of Clifford's diving bell design, particularly its use of a weighted bellows system for air replenishment. Some debated the historical accuracy of attributing the invention solely to Clifford, pointing to earlier diving bell iterations. Others expressed fascination with Clifford's dual professions and the potential connection between woodworking precision and the technical demands of underwater exploration. A few users shared additional resources about early diving technology, highlighting the dangers and limitations of these pioneering devices. The overall sentiment was one of admiration for Clifford's ingenuity and the historical context of his inventions.
Summary of Comments ( 32 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43713524
Hacker News users discuss various aspects of the "whoosh" sound phenomenon. Several commenters offer additional examples of sounds exhibiting similar characteristics, such as the Doppler shift observed with passing cars or the sound of a large truck passing a house. Some discuss the physics behind the phenomenon, including the role of air pressure changes and the shape of the object creating the sound. Others delve into the subjective experience of these sounds, noting how perception can be influenced by factors like background noise and individual sensitivity. One compelling comment highlights the prevalence of this effect in movies and its potential exaggeration for dramatic effect. Another interesting observation is the comparison to the "sonic boom" of a supersonic aircraft, contrasting the continuous whoosh with the sharp crack of the boom. Finally, a few commenters mention the psychological impact of these sounds, including their potential to be unsettling or even anxiety-inducing.
The Hacker News post titled "Passing planes and other whoosh sounds," linking to an article on windytan.com about the physics of whooshing sounds, has generated a modest discussion with several interesting comments.
One commenter shares a personal anecdote about experiencing the Doppler effect with the sound of a passing plane, noting the distinct drop in pitch as the plane moves away. They also connect this experience to the sound of cars passing by, highlighting the commonality of the phenomenon in everyday life.
Another commenter delves into the specifics of the Doppler effect, explaining how the frequency shift is dependent on the relative velocity between the source and the observer. They then raise the question of why the sound of a passing plane seems to "whoosh" down rather than up, even though both rising and falling frequencies are involved. They hypothesize that this perceived downward shift is due to the greater change in frequency occurring as the plane moves away, alongside the general decrease in loudness as the source recedes.
A subsequent comment builds on this hypothesis, suggesting that the human ear is more sensitive to downward frequency changes and that the decreasing volume of the receding sound source might contribute to the perception of a downward whoosh.
Another commenter links to a Wikipedia page about the sonic boom, a different phenomenon associated with supersonic aircraft, distinguishing it from the Doppler effect discussed in the original article. This comment helps clarify the different types of sounds generated by moving aircraft and their underlying physical principles.
One user mentions their experience with sailplanes, explaining how the quiet nature of these aircraft allows for a clearer perception of the Doppler shift and a more pronounced "whoosh." This adds another real-world example to the discussion and highlights how the surrounding environment can influence the perception of these sounds.
Finally, a commenter with a background in audio engineering provides a more technical explanation, mentioning how the perceived pitch of complex sounds like those produced by aircraft engines is not solely determined by the fundamental frequency but also influenced by overtones and harmonics. They suggest that the Doppler effect's influence on these different frequency components might contribute to the complex nature of the perceived "whoosh."
In summary, the comments on the Hacker News post provide a range of perspectives on the physics and perception of whooshing sounds, from personal anecdotes to detailed explanations and related phenomena, demonstrating a shared curiosity about the acoustic world around us.