What Is This Tool?
This unit converter allows you to transform speeds from foot per hour, an imperial unit for very slow velocities, into Mach numbers, which represent speed relative to the speed of sound in dry air at 20°C and 1 atm. It serves as a bridge between slow terrestrial or mechanical speeds and standardized aerodynamic speed scales.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the speed value in foot/hour (ft/h) you want to convert
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Select foot/hour as the source unit and Mach (20°C, 1 atm) as the target unit
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Click convert to get the equivalent Mach speed
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Review the conversion result to understand the speed relation
Key Features
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Converts foot/hour (ft/h), ideal for describing extremely slow speeds
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Outputs Mach number under standard atmospheric conditions (20°C, 1 atm)
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Browser-based and straightforward to use
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Facilitates comparison between slow ground speeds and high-speed aerodynamic regimes
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Includes examples for practical understanding
Examples
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1000 ft/h converts to approximately 0.0002464 Mach
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5000 ft/h converts to about 0.001232 Mach
Common Use Cases
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Describing very slow geological or glacial creep rates measured hourly
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Setting very slow actuator or conveyor speeds in industrial applications
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Reporting settlement or drift rates of survey markers or structures over time
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Comparing slow terrestrial or mechanical speeds to aerodynamic speed standards
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Aerospace or wind tunnel studies referencing speed relative to the speed of sound
Tips & Best Practices
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Ensure the input speed is accurate and expressed in foot/hour for proper conversion
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Use this conversion primarily for extremely slow speeds due to the small magnitude of Mach numbers obtained
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Remember the Mach reference conditions are fixed at 20°C and 1 atm for consistent interpretation
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Compare results carefully, considering this tool converts using a precise but standardized conversion rate
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Use the conversion to relate slow speeds to aerodynamic phenomena when relevant
Limitations
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The conversion factor is valid only under standard conditions of 20°C and 1 atm
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Variations in temperature, pressure, or humidity can alter the speed of sound and Mach values
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Foot/hour measures very slow speeds, resulting in Mach numbers that are extremely small and less practical for typical aerodynamic speed comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is foot per hour used for?
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Foot per hour is mainly used to describe very slow velocities such as geological creep rates, slow actuator speeds in industry, or slow settlement of structures measured hourly.
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What does Mach number represent in this conversion?
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Mach number indicates the ratio of an object's speed to the speed of sound in dry air at 20°C and 1 atm, providing a dimensionless measure of speed.
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Why are Mach numbers so small when converting from foot/hour?
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Since foot/hour measures very slow speeds, the resulting Mach numbers are extremely small due to the large difference with the speed of sound, limiting direct aerodynamic comparisons.
Key Terminology
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Foot/hour [ft/h]
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An imperial unit of speed indicating one foot traveled in one hour, used for expressing extremely slow speeds.
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Mach (20°C, 1 atm)
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A dimensionless speed ratio defined as an object's speed divided by the speed of sound in dry air at 20°C and 1 atmosphere pressure.
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Speed of Sound
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The speed at which sound waves travel through a medium, approximately 343 meters per second in dry air at 20°C and 1 atm.