Can you clip a soundwave?

[megafiddle]

Not the signal that is producing the soundwave, but the soundwave itself.

A soundwave consists of alternating compressions and rarefactions. We can compress air to several thousand PSIG (at least)
which would give a pretty high limit for the positive part of the cycle. But we can only produce rarefactions down to 0 PSIA
(about -15 PSIG) for the negative part. So I would imagine that with a high enough level, we would hit the negative limit at least,
and start clipping.

I am wondering if real life sound levels are even anywhere close to this limit? Or if it has ever actually occured?

[fdeck]

Atmospheric pressure is about 100k pascals, and 0 dB SPL is 20 micro pascals. So, the "clipping" limit would be around 440 dB SPL.

That would be loud.

[Exploiter8]

Wow! And to think I used to get headaches during all of those Space/Time Continuum episodes of TREK!

X8

[Philonius]

[Exploiter8]

Now jets are laying eggs?

We're doomed!

[bongomania]

All that's needed is to direct opposing compressions and rarefactions into each other, in a manner that creates disruptions in the waves, turning the "inchworm" expansions and contractions into a series of - - - - -.

[GIBrat51]

OKay, I'll ask the question on everyone's lips: Why would you want to? (Actually, I am kinda curious).

[basscooker]

my head hurts