Sunday, November 11, 2012

Boom.


Destry Straight celebrates his first period goal thanks to a great pass from Kevin Hayes.
I walked out of Matthews Arena about a month ago shaking my head and thinking that this BC team was not going to make home ice in Hockey East. I questioned basically everything about this team after that tough loss to the Huskies. Ya, well, I kinda forgot who the head coach was. In what was another gusty, hard fought, penalty filed, and physical hockey game, BC defeated archrival Boston University 4-2 Sunday night @ Agganis Arena where they now have a combined 9-2-1 record since the building opened. Just another fantastic effort from every single guy wearing the maroon tonight, but one guy in particular, Kevin Hayes, played the game of his BC career as he recorded an assist on Destry Straight's third of the year just 40 seconds in and a goal of his own to give BC the two goal lead with ten minutes to play. It wasn't just the points though, it was the speed and the fact that every time he was out there, he either had the puck and made a play or was chasing it down with every ounce of effort he had. On the first goal, he made a fantastic play behind the BU net and dished it out in front for Destry, who just had to tap it in to give the Eagles the lead. Hayes' linemate, Bill Arnold, also had one of his better games tonight as he, like Hayes, created chances, did an excellent job of blocking shots on the PK, like always, and scored an empty net tally. I would make the argument that there is no better two way player in this league than Billy Arnold. While he has skill and can make plays on the offensive side of things, his ability to sacrifice himself and block shots shows just how tough he is. For example, on one PK in the second period, a BU defenseman fired a slapper right off Arnold's skate and he was clearly hurt. But, in typical Bill Arnold fashion, he shook it off and was out there 30 seconds later.

As for the first line, I thought they did a good job of hanging in there in the first two periods and finally started to go after it in third when they were eventually awarded with a Johnny G goal. It was clear that BU was out to try to kill all three of these guys, especially Steven Whitney, but I thought all three did a good job of staying course and lighting it up in the third. As for the special teams, well, there were 34 combined penalties on the night and neither team was able to do anything on the PP until BU got a goal late in the contest. As for BC's power play, that is the only part of this team that I am a little concerned about. BU's PK was solid all night but BC definitely struggled to get a bunch of grade A chances on O'Connor. The Eagles had a 1:36 of 5-3 in the second but were not able to get anything going and were not able to score. On the other hand, I thought the PK was superb tonight. The usual PK'ers like Arnold, Whitney, and Mullane were all good but I also thought Quinn Smith was all over the ice tonight when BU was on the man advantage. It showed a lot when the staff had him out there late in the contest when BU was closing in on Milner...they obviously like his toughness in shorthanded situations.


Let's not forget Parker Milner. To be honest, with maybe the exception of Johnny G, he is the most valuable player not only on this team, but maybe in this whole conference. BU didn't get a whole lot of fantastic chances thanks to the BC defense but when they did, Milner was there. I don't know what has changed but one year ago vs these guys, he gave up 5 goals and was benched for a couple of weeks. What a difference a year makes in terms of his play and his confidence.

All in all, it is always great beating that team and their fake fans. It was clear that the opponent was out there to head hunt the whole second half of the third period which is nothing unusual. Sure, BC had their share of penalties but some of the things BU does when they know they are going to lose is pathetic and it doesn't belong in the game. Thankfully, the good guys won and will remain the kings of Comm Ave.

Why BC Won 

1. Kevin Hayes and Bill Arnold were spectacular. Led by these two guys, BC was able to slowly but surely ware down BU as the game grew older. The speed and skill became too much for the Terriers.

2. Parker Milner is too good. Definitely my player of the weekend...he had 25 saves tonight.

3. The penalty kill. BC had some really key kills out there tonight, most notably when BU had a 6-4 after Arnold went to the box for hitting from behind late in the game. Great effort by the Eagle penalty killers.

4. Just a real solid effort by everybody. Whether it was a guys like Johnny G, Mullane, Hayes, or even guys like Brooks Dyroff and Quinn Smith, everyone gave it their all tonight.

5. BC is getting much better in their own zone. Also should note that Mike Matheson is the best defenseman in Hockey East right now and it's not even close.

Problems- 

The power play was not good. On a scale from 1-10, i'd put my worries at a 4 but I'm sure that both units will start generating more opportunities and goals as the season progresses.

Players of the Game- Hayes(#1), Arnold (#2), Milner (#3).

Next up- Friday night vs Merrimack @ Conte. Just one game next week.

It's a great night to be an Eagle. 

GO EAGLES !!












 The Sonic Boom: Unveiling the Phenomenon, History, and Future of Boom



The term "Boom" has captivated human imagination for decades, conjuring images of supersonic aircraft and thunderous sounds. In this comprehensive exploration, we delve into the phenomenon of the sonic boom, its history, technology, and its potential future in the realm of transportation. This article is your guide to understanding the Boom, from its inception to its potential transformation of global travel.

Chapter 1: What is a Sonic Boom?

A sonic boom is the shockwave produced when an object travels through the air at a speed greater than the speed of sound (approximately 767 miles per hour or 1,235 kilometers per hour at sea level). The shockwave creates a sudden, loud noise resembling an explosion or thunderclap. This phenomenon occurs when an object breaks the sound barrier, a term coined to describe the point at which an object exceeds the speed of sound.

Chapter 2: The Physics of Sonic Boom

Understanding the physics behind a sonic boom is crucial to appreciating its significance. When an object travels through the air, it creates pressure waves. At speeds below the speed of sound, these waves propagate outward, much like the ripples in a pond when a stone is dropped. However, when an object surpasses the speed of sound, the pressure waves combine into a single, concentrated shockwave. This shockwave is what we perceive as a sonic boom.

Chapter 3: History of Sonic Boom

The history of sonic booms is entwined with the development of supersonic flight. The term "sonic boom" was coined during World War II when Allied pilots flying at high speeds first reported hearing loud noises when flying near or above the speed of sound. However, the fascination with breaking the sound barrier dates back even earlier to the pre-World War II era.

Chapter 4: The Sound Barrier Breakers

Several iconic aircraft have played pivotal roles in breaking the sound barrier, each contributing to our understanding of supersonic flight and the sonic boom. Notable aircraft include the Bell X-1, which was the first aircraft to officially break the sound barrier, and the Concorde, a commercial airliner that regularly flew at supersonic speeds.

Chapter 5: The Faqs about Sonic Boom

*1. Is a sonic boom dangerous to people on the ground?

Sonic booms are not typically dangerous to people on the ground. However, they can be startling and annoying. The level of disturbance depends on various factors, including the altitude of the aircraft, its speed, and the distance from the observer to the flight path.

*2. Can you hear a sonic boom from space?

No, sonic booms cannot be heard in space because they require a medium, such as air, to propagate. In the vacuum of space, there is no air, so sound cannot travel.

*3. How do pilots deal with sonic booms?

Pilots of supersonic aircraft are well aware of the sonic boom phenomenon. They typically take measures to minimize the impact of the boom, such as flying at high altitudes or over sparsely populated areas when they need to exceed the speed of sound.

*4. Is it possible to eliminate sonic booms entirely?

Research into mitigating sonic booms is ongoing. NASA and other organizations have been working on developing aircraft designs that produce quieter booms, often referred to as "low-boom" aircraft. These designs aim to distribute the shockwave in a way that reduces its intensity on the ground.

*5. How fast does an object need to travel to produce a sonic boom?

The exact speed required to produce a sonic boom depends on various factors, including the altitude and temperature of the atmosphere. In general, an object needs to exceed the speed of sound, which is approximately 767 miles per hour (1,235 kilometers per hour) at sea level, to create a sonic boom.

Chapter 6: Supersonic Travel: A Glimpse into the Future

The quest for faster and more efficient modes of transportation has spurred interest in supersonic travel. While the Concorde was retired in 2003, recent developments in technology have reignited the dream of commercial supersonic flight. Companies like Boom Supersonic are working on the development of a new generation of supersonic airliners that promise to be quieter and more environmentally friendly than their predecessors.

Chapter 7: Boom Supersonic - Leading the Way

Boom Supersonic, a Colorado-based aerospace company, is at the forefront of the modern supersonic travel revolution. Their flagship project, the Overture, is designed to be a 55-seat commercial airliner capable of flying at speeds of Mach 2.2, or roughly 1,450 miles per hour (2,335 kilometers per hour). With advancements in aerodynamics and engine technology, Boom aims to create a supersonic aircraft that can dramatically reduce flight times and bring back the excitement of supersonic travel.

Chapter 8: Addressing Environmental Concerns

One of the key challenges facing the development of supersonic aircraft is addressing environmental concerns. The Concorde faced criticism for its high fuel consumption and emissions. Boom Supersonic and other companies in the industry are working to design supersonic aircraft that are more fuel-efficient and produce fewer emissions. Noise reduction is also a significant focus, aiming to make sonic booms less disruptive to people on the ground.

Chapter 9: The Regulatory Landscape

The return of supersonic travel also raises questions about regulations and airspace management. Governments and aviation authorities will need to establish guidelines for supersonic flight to ensure safety, manage noise pollution, and minimize disruptions to communities.

Chapter 10: Conclusion - The Sonic Boom Redefined

The sonic boom, once considered a symbol of speed and technological prowess, has evolved from its early days of surprise and disruption. Today, it represents the potential for a new era of supersonic travel that could revolutionize the way we experience long-distance journeys. With advancements in technology and a commitment to addressing environmental concerns, companies like Boom Supersonic are on the cusp of making supersonic travel a reality once again. The future of boom is not just about breaking the sound barrier; it's about breaking the barriers of time and distance, bringing the world closer together in ways we've never imagined.

FAQs

*1. Is a sonic boom dangerous to people on the ground?

Sonic booms are not typically dangerous to people on the ground. However, they can be startling and annoying. The level of disturbance depends on various factors, including the altitude of the aircraft, its speed, and the distance from the observer to the flight path.

*2. Can you hear a sonic boom from space?

No, sonic booms cannot be heard in space because they require a medium, such as air, to propagate. In the vacuum of space, there is no air, so sound cannot travel.

*3. How do pilots deal with sonic booms?

Pilots of supersonic aircraft are well aware of the sonic boom phenomenon. They typically take measures to minimize the impact of the boom, such as flying at high altitudes or over sparsely populated areas when they need to exceed the speed of sound.

*4. Is it possible to eliminate sonic booms entirely?

Research into mitigating sonic booms is ongoing. NASA and other organizations have been working on developing aircraft designs that produce quieter booms, often referred to as "low-boom" aircraft. These designs aim to distribute the shockwave in a way that reduces its intensity on the ground.

*5. How fast does an object need to travel to produce a sonic boom?

The exact speed required to produce a sonic boom depends on various factors, including the altitude and temperature of the atmosphere. In general, an object needs to exceed the speed of sound, which is approximately 767 miles per hour (1,235 kilometers per hour) at sea level, to create a sonic boom.




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