Methods and apparatus to monitor a shock wave proximate a transonic surface

A method comprising:

• capturing a first image of a surface of an aircraft during a first time period via a first camera at a first location on the aircraft;
• capturing a second image of the surface during the first time period via a second camera at a second location on the aircraft;
• identifying a first position of a shock wave proximate the surface based on the first and second images;
• capturing a third image of the surface during a second time period via the first camera;
• capturing a fourth image of the surface during the second time period via the second camera;
• identifying a second position of the shock wave proximate the surface based on the third and fourth images;
• calculating a difference between the first and the second positions;
• and
• generating a command to control at least one of an actuator or a control surface based on the difference.

A tangible computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions that, when executed, cause a machine to at least:

• capture a first image of a surface of an aircraft during a first time period via a first camera at a first location on the aircraft;
• capture a second image of the surface during the first time period via a second camera at a second location on the aircraft;
• identify a first position of a shock wave proximate the surface based on the first and second images;
• capture a third image of the surface during a second time period via the first camera;
• capture a fourth image of the surface during a second time period via the second camera;
• identify a second position of the shock wave proximate the surface based on the third and fourth images;
• calculate a difference between the first and the second positions;
• and
• generate a command to control at least one of an actuator or a control surface based on the difference.