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This review paper identifies key stability and control screening parameters needed to design low-risk, general-purpose high-speed aircraft. These derive from MIL-STD-8785C, MIL-STD-1797, and older AGARD reports, and are suitable for assessing conceptual high-speed vehicles. We demonstrate their applicability using published ground test, computation, and flight test data from the Bell X-2, North American X-15, Martin X-24A, Northrop HL-10, Lockheed Blackbird (YF-12/SR-71), and North American XB-70 as well as the Rockwell Space Shuttle Orbiter. The relative success of the X-15 and Blackbird and the performance limitations of the others indicate the need to scrutinize lateral-directional stability at the preliminary design phase. Our work reveals the need for strong bare-airframe static directional stability to obtain favorable flying qualities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quasi-direct current (Q-DC) filamentary electrical discharges are used to control the shock train in a back-pressured Mach 2 duct flow. The coupled interaction between the plasma filaments and the shock train leading edge (STLE) is studied for a variety of boundary conditions. Electrical parameters associated with the discharge are recorded during actuation, demonstrating a close correlation between the STLE position and dynamics. High-speed self-aligned focusing schlieren (SAFS) and high frame-rate color camera imaging are the primary optical diagnostics used to study the flowfield and plasma morphology. Shock tracking and plasma characterization algorithms are employed to extract time-resolved quantitative data during shock–plasma interactions. Four distinct shock–plasma interaction types are identified and outlined, revealing a strong dependence on the spacing between the uncontrolled STLE and discharge electrodes and a moderate dependence on flow parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shock wave boundary/layer interactions (SWBLIs) are critical in high-speed aerodynamic flows, particularly within supersonic regimes, where unsteady dynamics can induce structural fatigue and degrade vehicle performance. Conventional measurement techniques, such as pressure-sensitive paint (PSP), face limitations in frequency response, calibration complexity, and intrusive instrumentation. Similarly, MEMS-based sensors, like Kulite® sensors, present challenges in terms of intrusiveness, cost, and integration complexity. This study presents a flexible, lightweight polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) piezoelectric sensor array designed for high-resolution wall-pressure measurements in SWBLI research. The primary objective is to optimize low-frequency pressure fluctuation detection, addressing SWBLI's need for accurate, real-time measurements of low-frequency unsteadiness. Fabricated using a double-sided screen-printing technique, this sensor array is low-cost, flexible, and provides stable, high-sensitivity data. Finite Element Method (FEM) simulations indicate that the sensor structure also has potential for high-frequency responses, behaving as a high-pass filter with minimal signal attenuation up to 300 kHz, although the current study's experimental testing is focused on low-frequency calibration and validation. A custom low-frequency sound pressure setup was used to calibrate the PVDF sensor array, ensuring uniform pressure distribution across sensor elements. Wind tunnel tests at Mach 2 verified the PVDF sensor's ability to capture pressure fluctuations and unsteady behaviors consistent with those recorded by Kulite sensors. The findings suggest that PVDF sensors are promising alternatives for capturing low-frequency disturbances and intricate flow structures in advanced aerodynamic research, with high-frequency performance to be further explored in future work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For problems with very fine surface meshes, typically the most time-consuming step of a boundary element method (BEM, also called a panel method) is solving the final linear system of equations. Many have already studied how to efficiently solve the dense, asymmetric systems which arise in elliptic BEMs. However, this has not been studied for a supersonic aerodynamic BEM, for which the governing PDE is hyperbolic. Due to this hyperbolic character, the matrix equation which arises from a supersonic BEM has a large number of identically zero elements. But the resulting linear system of equations is also not sparse in the standard sense. Hence, the efficient solution of the linear system of equations arising in a supersonic BEM is here considered. A novel sorting algorithm is developed whereby the non-zero elements may be arranged into a useful structure with minimal cost. A novel direct solution method is developed here based on fast Givens rotations and the QR decomposition. This novel solver leverages the unique matrix structure to solve the supersonic system of equations more quickly than traditional direct methods. This novel method is then compared to other direct and iterative matrix solvers and is shown to be more robust than iterative solvers and more efficient than other direct solvers, with a computational time complexity of approximately O (N 2.5) . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a comparative analysis of simplified and high-fidelity sonic boom prediction methods to assess their applicability in the conceptual design of supersonic aircraft. The high-fidelity approach combines Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for near-field shock analysis with ray-tracing and the Augmented Burgers Equation for far-field propagation through a non-uniform atmosphere, whereas the simplified Carlson method uses analytical approximations for rapid predictions. The comparison across selected climb, cruise, and descent conditions for a supersonic reference aircraft shows that the Carlson method captures general trends in sonic boom behavior, such as changes in peak overpressure and signal duration with varying Mach number and altitude. However, significant deviations are noted under realistic atmospheric conditions, highlighting limitations in the simplified model's accuracy. Common psycho-acoustic metrics were evaluated to assess the potential annoyance on the ground. The results demonstrate that while the simplified method is effective for early-stage design assessments, the high-fidelity model is essential for precise sonic boom characterization under realistic conditions, particularly for regulatory and community impact evaluations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This paper provides an examination of the modern high-speed aircraft industry, including a compilation of recent developments and planned aircraft. The potential for a civil high-speed airliner is examined from a financial and contemporary perspective. Mach 4 is introduced as the economic line, below which high-speed flight is shown as financially viable. Despite this, a preliminary analysis from historic data highlights flight below Mach 2.12 as relatively low risk, with a hypersonic airliner not envisioned until the next century. Several challenges that are less discussed in literature are reviewed here with safety and reliability being the principal among them. This paper hence serves as the first part, which is followed by a comprehensive review of high-speed vehicle accidents.

On 18 November 2023, SpaceX launched the Starship, the tallest and the most powerful rocket ever built. The Super Heavy engine separated from the Starship spacecraft and exploded at 90 km of altitude, while the main core Starship continued to rise up to 149 km and exploded after ∼8 min of flight. In this work, we used data from ground‐based GNSS receivers and we analyzed total electron content (TEC) response to the Starship flight and the two explosions. For the first time, we observed large‐distance northward propagation of intensive 2,000 km V‐shaped ionospheric disturbances from the rocket trajectory. The observed perturbations, most likely, represent shock waves propagating with the cone angle of ∼14° on the North and ∼7° on the South against the flight track that corresponds to the Mach angle of the shock waves in the lower atmosphere. The Starship explosion also produced a non‐chemical depletion in the ionospheric TEC. Plain Language Summary: On 18 November 2023, SpaceX launched the Starship, the tallest and the most powerful rocket ever built. About 2 min and 40 s after the liftoff, the Super Heavy engine separated from the Starship spacecraft and exploded at an altitude of 90 km. The main core Starship continued to rise to 149 km and exploded as well. The rocket launch and explosion produced an unexpected response in the ionosphere—the ionized part of the Earth's atmosphere. The Starship flew at a velocity, exceeding the local sound speed, and generated cone‐like atmospheric shock‐acoustic waves. Most unexpectedly, the observed disturbances represented long and intensive multi‐oscillation wave structures that propagated northward, which is unusual for disturbances driven by a rocket launch. The Starship explosion also generated a large‐amplitude total electron content depletion that could have been reinforced by the impact of the spacecraft's fuel exhaust in the lower atmosphere. This study appears to be the first‐time detection of a non‐chemical ionospheric hole produced by a man‐made explosion. Key Points: The 18 November 2023 Starship flight and explosions generated large‐scale multi‐oscillation supersonic conic waves in the ionosphereThe cone angle of the V‐shaped ionospheric disturbances corresponds to the Mach angle of shock waves propagating in the lower ionosphereThe shock waves from the Starship explosion caused a depletion in total electron content (TEC) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the work i tis investigated the intense coudition of lirnear viscoelastic (Maxwell type) thread at a cross-section blow by wedge havig flat frontal part. I tis supposed that a defeectiv part of the thread fits the surface of the blowing body. The problem is solved at a subsonic mode with the condition on threads break. In many fields of modern industry, materials having elastic as well as viscous properties are used. The given thesis is dedicated to one of such questions, i.e. there is studied a behavior of a viscous-elastic fiber (Maxwells model) at a normal blow on it with a rigid wedge and a wedge with a flat front part and constant velocity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A self-aligned focusing schlieren (SAFS) system combines the field of view of a conventional schlieren system with the defocus blur of a focusing schlieren system away from the object plane. It can be assembled in a compact form, measuring 1.2 m (4 ft) in length in the described case. The depth of field is sufficiently shallow to distinguish specific spanwise features in a supersonic flow field within a 76.2 mm (3 in) wide test section. As a result, the boundary-layer perturbations on windows and window-material defects and surface imperfections are blurred. Analytical forms are derived for depth of field and vignetting of the SAFS system. A laser spark velocity measurement in Mach 2 flow is performed by tracking the blast wave of a laser spark using 500 kHz SAFS imaging with a 200 ns optical pulse width. The flow Mach number and stagnation temperature are measured by comparing the blast-wave dynamics to an analytical solution. Additionally, schlieren image velocimetry is performed by analyzing natural flow perturbations in 500 kHz SAFS images using a self-correlation method. Comparing the spectra of gas density perturbations from the core flow and a near-wall region reveals a significant difference, with high-frequency prevalence at the boundary-layer location. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oblique detonation waves have been studied extensively, but the wave characteristics influenced by the geometrical restriction have not been fully addressed. In this study, we examine the wave stability and the thrust performance in a contraction-expansion channel with varying velocity. A supersonic stoichiometric inflow of hydrogen-oxygen inflow is established in the computational domain, and the compressible reactive Navier-Stokes equations are solved using a comprehensive chemical model. As the velocity increases, the detonation wave inside the channel exhibits two successive unsteady states: the half normal detonation wave (half NDW) and the re-ignition oblique detonation wave (re-ignition ODW). In the half NDW state, the upper part of the wave surface is a basically stable NDW, while the lower part oscillates regularly as the reaction front. In the re-ignition ODW state, the explosion of the reaction front and the retreat of the detonation surface occur in proper order. Furthermore, the thrust associated with these newly discovered oscillation wave systems exhibits unstable behavior, with an important observation that it does not consistently decrease with increasing velocity. Notably, there is a significant increase in thrust during the transition from the half NDW state to the ODW state, as well as when the position of the oblique detonation wave shifts downstream. [Display omitted] • The oblique detonation wave structure and thrust performance in a contraction–expansion channel are revealed. • With increasing velocity, thermal choking unstarting, half normal detonation, and oblique detonation states emerge. • Two unsteady wave states were identified for the first time, and the primary flow characteristics were discerned. • Throughout the entire super-detonation process, the effect of V in / V cj on thrust is non-monotonic decreasing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supersonic and hypersonic flows have gained considerable attention in the aerospace industry in recent years. Flow control is crucial for refining the quality of these high-speed flows and improving the performance and safety of fast aircraft. This paper discusses the distinctive characteristics of supersonic flows compared to low-speed flows, including phenomena such as boundary layer transition, shock waves, and sonic boom. These traits give rise to significant challenges related to drag, noise, and heat. Therefore, a review of several active and passive control strategies is provided, highlighting their significant advancements in flow transitions, reducing drag, minimizing noise, and managing heat. Furthermore, we provide a comprehensive analysis of various research methodologies used in the application of flow control engineering, including wind tunnel testing, flight testing, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD). This work gives an overview of the present state of flow control research and offers insights into potential future advancements.

This review paper identifies key stability and control screening parameters needed to design low-risk, general-purpose high-speed aircraft. These derive from MIL-STD-8785C, MIL-STD-1797, and older AGARD reports, and are suitable for assessing conceptual high-speed vehicles. We demonstrate their applicability using published ground test, computation, and flight test data from the Bell X-2, North American X-15, Martin X-24A, Northrop HL-10, Lockheed Blackbird (YF-12/SR-71), and North American XB-70 as well as the Rockwell Space Shuttle Orbiter. The relative success of the X-15 and Blackbird and the performance limitations of the others indicate the need to scrutinize lateral-directional stability at the preliminary design phase. Our work reveals the need for strong bare-airframe static directional stability to obtain favorable flying qualities.

For problems with very fine surface meshes, typically the most time-consuming step of a boundary element method (BEM, also called a panel method) is solving the final linear system of equations. Many have already studied how to efficiently solve the dense, asymmetric systems which arise in elliptic BEMs. However, this has not been studied for a supersonic aerodynamic BEM, for which the governing PDE is hyperbolic. Due to this hyperbolic character, the matrix equation which arises from a supersonic BEM has a large number of identically zero elements. But the resulting linear system of equations is also not sparse in the standard sense. Hence, the efficient solution of the linear system of equations arising in a supersonic BEM is here considered. A novel sorting algorithm is developed whereby the non-zero elements may be arranged into a useful structure with minimal cost. A novel direct solution method is developed here based on fast Givens rotations and the QR decomposition. This novel solver leverages the unique matrix structure to solve the supersonic system of equations more quickly than traditional direct methods. This novel method is then compared to other direct and iterative matrix solvers and is shown to be more robust than iterative solvers and more efficient than other direct solvers, with a computational time complexity of approximately O(N2.5).

Quasi-direct current (Q-DC) filamentary electrical discharges are used to control the shock train in a back-pressured Mach 2 duct flow. The coupled interaction between the plasma filaments and the shock train leading edge (STLE) is studied for a variety of boundary conditions. Electrical parameters associated with the discharge are recorded during actuation, demonstrating a close correlation between the STLE position and dynamics. High-speed self-aligned focusing schlieren (SAFS) and high frame-rate color camera imaging are the primary optical diagnostics used to study the flowfield and plasma morphology. Shock tracking and plasma characterization algorithms are employed to extract time-resolved quantitative data during shock–plasma interactions. Four distinct shock–plasma interaction types are identified and outlined, revealing a strong dependence on the spacing between the uncontrolled STLE and discharge electrodes and a moderate dependence on flow parameters.

Low-fidelity analytic and computational wave drag prediction methods assume linear aerodynamics and small perturbations to the flow. Hence, these methods are typically accurate for only very slender geometries. The present work assesses the accuracy of these methods relative to high-fidelity Euler, compressible computational-fluid-dynamics solutions for a set of axisymmetric geometries with varying radius-to-length ratios (R / L) . Grid-resolution studies are included for all computational results to ensure grid-resolved results. Results show that the low-fidelity analytic and computational methods match the Euler CFD predictions to around a single drag count (∼ 1.0 × 10 − 4 ) for geometries with R / L ≤ 0.05 and Mach numbers from 1.1 to 2.0. The difference in predicted wave drag rapidly increases, to over 30 drag counts in some cases, for geometries approaching R / L ≈ 0.1 , indicating that the slender-body assumption of linear supersonic theory is violated for larger radius-to-length ratios. All three methods considered predict that the wave drag coefficient is nearly independent of Mach number for the geometries included in this study. Results of the study can be used to validate other numerical models and estimate the error in low-fidelity analytic and computational methods for predicting wave drag of axisymmetric geometries, depending on radius-to-length ratios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rotating nozzle profile enables the supersonic variable Mach number wind tunnel to continuously adjust the Mach number of the experimental area during a single operation，which is important for studying the aerodynam ic problems in the maneuvering process of the aircraft and the starting process of the inlet. In the process of controlling the nozzle profile rotation，whether the flow field parameters can change linearly is an important criterion to measure the performance of supersonic variable Mach number wind tunnel. Therefore，the linear variation law of flow field parameters in the experimental area of variable Mach number wind tunnel is analyzed in this paper，and a numerical simulation model is established using the spring smoothing dynamic grid technique to verify whether the flow field parameters in the experimental area meet the linear variation law when the nozzle is located at the corresponding position of Mach number 3.041~3.215. The results show that the linear change of the flow field parameters in the wind tunnel experimental area is achieved by controlling the rotation of the nozzle profile，and the dynam ic calculation results are in good agreement with the expected linear change law of the flow field parameters in the experimental area. In the linear change process of flow field parameters with different accelerations，the deviation between the average parameters of the experimental area and the expected parameters at each time is less than 0.13%.

The process from test starting to supersonic flow state established in an outlet-opening wind tunnel，i. e. the starting problem of supersonic flow，has become a recognized challenge. In order to establish the feasible flow field starting method，and lay the foundation for the use of outlet-opening wind tunnel，three-dimensional numerical simulation research is carried out，which is based on a certain wind tunnel，and taken the panel blade of supersonic compressor as the research object. The failure reason of supersonic flow field starting on experimental condition is analyzed，and three flow field starting schemes are established. The results show that the starting failure reason is the formation of a strong normal shock wave at the leading edge of the cascade. Increasing the inlet total pressure alone cannot establish the supersonic flow. The supersonic cascade flow field can be started by increasing the overflow gap width on lower wall side，but the number of effective cascade passages is decreased and the boundary layer thickness is increased. Maintaining the width of overflow gap on the upper and lower walls at more than 1.0 pitch，the setting upper and lower supersonic walls in front of cascade and conducting suction can effectively start the supersonic flow field. The maximum fluctuation of outlet Mach number is 0.01，the maximum fluctuation of outlet flow angle is 0.09°. The periodicity can meet the experimental requirements.

This paper presents a comparative analysis of simplified and high-fidelity sonic boom prediction methods to assess their applicability in the conceptual design of supersonic aircraft. The high-fidelity approach combines Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for near-field shock analysis with ray-tracing and the Augmented Burgers Equation for far-field propagation through a non-uniform atmosphere, whereas the simplified Carlson method uses analytical approximations for rapid predictions. The comparison across selected climb, cruise, and descent conditions for a supersonic reference aircraft shows that the Carlson method captures general trends in sonic boom behavior, such as changes in peak overpressure and signal duration with varying Mach number and altitude. However, significant deviations are noted under realistic atmospheric conditions, highlighting limitations in the simplified model’s accuracy. Common psycho-acoustic metrics were evaluated to assess the potential annoyance on the ground. The results demonstrate that while the simplified method is effective for early-stage design assessments, the high-fidelity model is essential for precise sonic boom characterization under realistic conditions, particularly for regulatory and community impact evaluations.

Shock wave boundary/layer interactions (SWBLIs) are critical in high-speed aerodynamic flows, particularly within supersonic regimes, where unsteady dynamics can induce structural fatigue and degrade vehicle performance. Conventional measurement techniques, such as pressure-sensitive paint (PSP), face limitations in frequency response, calibration complexity, and intrusive instrumentation. Similarly, MEMS-based sensors, like Kulite® sensors, present challenges in terms of intrusiveness, cost, and integration complexity. This study presents a flexible, lightweight polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) piezoelectric sensor array designed for high-resolution wall-pressure measurements in SWBLI research. The primary objective is to optimize low-frequency pressure fluctuation detection, addressing SWBLI’s need for accurate, real-time measurements of low-frequency unsteadiness. Fabricated using a double-sided screen-printing technique, this sensor array is low-cost, flexible, and provides stable, high-sensitivity data. Finite Element Method (FEM) simulations indicate that the sensor structure also has potential for high-frequency responses, behaving as a high-pass filter with minimal signal attenuation up to 300 kHz, although the current study’s experimental testing is focused on low-frequency calibration and validation. A custom low-frequency sound pressure setup was used to calibrate the PVDF sensor array, ensuring uniform pressure distribution across sensor elements. Wind tunnel tests at Mach 2 verified the PVDF sensor’s ability to capture pressure fluctuations and unsteady behaviors consistent with those recorded by Kulite sensors. The findings suggest that PVDF sensors are promising alternatives for capturing low-frequency disturbances and intricate flow structures in advanced aerodynamic research, with high-frequency performance to be further explored in future work.

This work presents the results of two-dimensional numerical simulation of processes, arising from the interaction of an incoming flow of a well-mixed stoichiometric hydrogen-air mixture with a wedge in a bounded region at high Mach velocities using Navier-Stokes type equations taking into account chemical interactions. The Mach number of the incoming flow from 9 to 12 were considered. Various wave configurations were obtained depending on the velocity of the incoming flow. For the flow Mach number of 9, the presence of a detonation wave perpendicular to the flow was obtained. For high flow velocities, another similar wave configuration of the same type was obtained. • A simulation of a flow interaction with a wedge at high Mach speeds was carried out • A well-mixed stoichiometric hydrogen-air mixture was considered • Hong's kinetic mechanism was considered • Two wave configurations were obtained depending on the velocity of the flow • For Mach number equal 9 the detonation wave perpendicular to the flow was obtained [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With growing interest in sustainable civil supersonic and hypersonic aviation, there is a need to model the combustion of alternative, sustainable jet fuels. This work presents numerical simulations of several related phenomena, including laminar flames, ignition, and spray flames. Two conventional jet fuels, Jet A and JP-5, and two alternative jet fuels, C1 and C5, are targeted. The laminar burning velocities of these fuels are predicted using skeletal and detailed reaction mechanisms. The ignition delay times are predicted in the context of dual-mode ramjet engines. Large Eddy Simulations (LES) of spray combustion in an aeroengine are carried out to investigate how the different thermodynamic and chemical properties of alternative fuels lead to different emergent behavior. A novel set of thermodynamic correlations are developed for the spray model. The laminar burning velocity predictions are normalized by heat of combustion to reveal a more distinct fuel trend, with C1 burning slowest and C5 fastest. The ignition results highlight the contributions of the Negative Temperature Coefficient (NTC) effect, equivalence ratio, and hydrogen enrichment in determining ignition time scales in dual-mode ramjet engines. The spray results reveal that the volatile alternative jet fuels have short penetration depths and that the flame of the most chemically divergent fuel (C1) stabilizes relatively close to the spray. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experimental study on the supersonic flow of Mach number 1.81 Over the rectangular cavity of L/D = 3 with different aft wall angles such as Baseline case 90° and aft wall edge ramp of 30°. Measurements of acoustic oscillations were carried out on the wall and floor of the cavity using unsteady pressure transducers. Schlieren flow visualization indicates the presence of a shear layer and the other shock features that are associated with the cavity flow field. In order to obtain the experimental results, data analysis was performed in the unsteady data Using statistical analytical techniques i.e., Fast Fourier Transform, Short Time Fourier Transform, and Coherence. After careful examination of the power spectra of the cavities, it is concluded that as the aft wall angle decreases by introducing the aft wall ramp, the amplitude decreases. It is clearly observed that the complete escape of vortices in Low angled cavity. From the correlation plot, the existence of the acoustic wave inside the cavity for all the cases is deduced. The maximum OASPL and static pressure values are observed at the aft wall. These results, the strength of the self-sustained oscillations and acoustic disturbance and mode switching were observed in the higher angled cavity 90°. Also, the mode switching co-existence was reduced in the aft wall edge ramp angle of 30°. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This present study describes the aerodynamic characteristics of supersonic flow over biconvex and double wedge airfoils using a finite volume method-based commercial CFD code Ansys Fluent. A steady-state RANS approach is used with SST k-ω viscous modeling. A series of simulations are conducted to analyze the characteristics of shock and expansion waves formed around the airfoils for Mach numbers ranging from 1.4 to 3.4 with varying angles of attack (α) from 0° to 20°. It is observed that the lift and drag coefficients both increase with the angle of attack for a fixed Mach number and decrease with the Mach number for a fixed angle of attack. Double wedge airfoil generates about 5% more lift at a low Mach number and 1% more lift at a higher Mach number compared to the biconvex airfoil. However, the biconvex airfoil generates lesser drag than the double wedge airfoil. The maximum value of the pressure coefficient (Cp) is found to be 1.7 for biconvex airfoil and 1.4 for double wedge airfoil. The maximum value of the lift-to-drag ratio for biconvex airfoil is 7.63, occurs at 1.4 Mach number and 3.46° angle of attack, whereas the value for double wedge airfoil is 5.19 at the same Mach number with 4.47° angle of attack, which suggest that biconvex airfoil has a higher lift-to-drag ratio and gives a better aerodynamics performance. The shock waves start to detach after an angle of attack of 5° and the shock wave is fully detached at a 15° angle of attack for biconvex airfoil for Mach number of 1.4. For the same Mach number, the double wedge airfoil, the shock wave starts to form the same as the biconvex airfoil but the waves are fully detached at a lower angle of attack of 10°. With the increasing Mach number, the shock waves remain attached to the airfoil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Axisymmetric direct numerical simulation (DNS) has been carried out to predict supersonic base flow behavior. Substantially fine grid has been used to perform calculations for the flow with Reynolds number up to 106. Optimal grid resolution was established through test calculations for affordable run time and solution convergence determined by the vorticity value. Numerical scheme provides fourth-order approximation for dissipative, fifth-order for convective and second-order for unsteady terms of conservation equations. Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) approach has been employed to obtain input flow profiles for DNS calculations. Series of calculations have been carried out for Mach number 1.5 with Reynolds numbers 104, 105, 106 and for Mach number 2.46 with Reynolds number 1.65×106. It has been found that local base pressure coefficient calculated by DNS is a bit overestimated in a zone close to symmetry axis in comparison with experiment while integrated base drag coefficient shows good agreement with experimental data and noticeably better than one obtained by RANS approach.

A self-aligned focusing schlieren (SAFS) system combines the field of view of a conventional schlieren system with the defocus blur of a focusing schlieren system away from the object plane. It can be assembled in a compact form, measuring 1.2 m (4 ft) in length in the described case. The depth of field is sufficiently shallow to distinguish specific spanwise features in a supersonic flow field within a 76.2 mm (3 in) wide test section. As a result, the boundary-layer perturbations on windows and window-material defects and surface imperfections are blurred. Analytical forms are derived for depth of field and vignetting of the SAFS system. A laser spark velocity measurement in Mach 2 flow is performed by tracking the blast wave of a laser spark using 500 kHz SAFS imaging with a 200 ns optical pulse width. The flow Mach number and stagnation temperature are measured by comparing the blast-wave dynamics to an analytical solution. Additionally, schlieren image velocimetry is performed by analyzing natural flow perturbations in 500 kHz SAFS images using a self-correlation method. Comparing the spectra of gas density perturbations from the core flow and a near-wall region reveals a significant difference, with high-frequency prevalence at the boundary-layer location.

Partially or completely reusing launch vehicles significantly reduces expenses for manufacturing and testing in space missions. Thus, Reusable Launch Vehicles (RLV) can be a solution to achieving technological and financial goals associated with space programs. Scramjet engines have a higher specific impulse than rocket engines and the capability to operate efficiently at extremely high speeds. This paper reviews the requirements in reusable launch vehicle technologies and how the scramjet engines can be used with their advantages and limitations, and possible solutions to meet future requirements of reusable launch systems. The review covers different aspects of the launch requirements of a reusable launch vehicle, the applicability of scramjet in the RLV, and the key parameters to enhance the performance of the scramjet engine. With the possibility of hydrogen as fuel, it is inferred that the scramjet is a plausible candidate for the successful, sustainable, greener, and cost-effective operation of the RLV. The combination of Scramjet-RLV holds the promise of significantly bringing down the cost of space missions. • Requirements in reusable launch vehicle technologies are reviewed. • Capabilities of scramjets to meet reusable launch system requirements are assessed. • With hydrogen fuel, scramjet can enable sustainable and cost-effective RLV operation. • Scramjet-RLV combine promises significant cost reduction in space missions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tracer pathline statistics have rarely, if at all, been used in the investigation of compressible subsonic, transonic and supersonic flows past a circular cylinder. Here, we report pathline histogram, conditional histogram and zonal histogram data, focusing on the characteristics of particle instantaneous flow reversal and their dependencies on Mach number and tracer release position. The far-upstream Mach number and the diameter-based Reynolds number used for these three flow regimes are $ ({0.2, 10000}), ({0.9, 3900}) $ (0.2 , 10000) , (0.9 , 3900) and $ ({1.2, 10000}) $ (1.2 , 10000) , respectively. The subsonic surface-release histogram profiles display unexpected persistent oscillations at a frequency $ 50 $ 50 times of the periodic vortex shedding frequency, reflecting the effect of a very small magnitude zig-zagging type of particle motion in a region very close to the wall and slightly behind the mean flow separation location. No similar high-frequency oscillation is observed in the corresponding transonic and supersonic histograms likely because, at $ \textrm{Ma} \ge 0.9 $ Ma ≥ 0.9 , periodic vortex shedding ceases to exist and the near-wake becomes a quasi-laminar recirculation zone bounded by a pair of converging slip-layers with a neck opening to the far-wake. At the instant of $ 5 $ 5 subsonic vortex-shedding periods after being released from the cylinder surface, there are $ 1.67\% $ 1.67 % , $ 35.2\% $ 35.2 % and $ 39.7\% $ 39.7 % particles that experience flow reversal in the subsonic, transonic and supersonic flows, respectively. Surprisingly, in the present transonic flow, growth of the turbulent far-wake behind the pair of lambda-shocks is constrained over a considerable streamwise distance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the thermal stressing characteristics of hydrocarbon fuels to develop thermally stable fuels for supersonic vehicle applications. The thermal stability characteristics of two multicomponent hydrocarbon fuels, namely F-1 and F-2 fuels, under subcritical and supercritical conditions, are examined for a wide range of temperatures (30–500 °C) and pressures (15–50 bar) using a semi-batch reactor. Various analysis techniques, such as UV-Vis spectrophotometry, ASTM D86 distillation, gas chromatography, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), etc., are used to characterize the feed and product properties. The study showed that the fuels are reasonably stable up to around 400 °C and above 40 bar pressure. The stability of the fuels is relatively less under subcritical pressure at elevated temperatures. The amount of gum formation increased with the increase of both temperature and pressure parameters. Further, the SEM analysis showed oval-shaped and ribbon-like structures in the solid deposits. The present investigation may be useful in developing an appropriate fuel for regenerative cooling in supersonic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, the mixing characteristics of the Mach 1.86 jet from a convergent-divergent nozzle of square cross-section from inlet to exit were investigated numerically. The jet studied were uncontrolled and controlled with limiting tab of rectangular and circular cross-sections. The nozzle pressure ratio is varied from 4 to 6 with a step size of one, leading to the confinement of the present study for the over-expansion and near correct expansion levels of the jet. It is observed that the core length, which is a direct indication of the extent of jet mixing, reduced significantly for the jet controlled with limiting tab as compared to that with the uncontrolled counterpart. Also, among the circular and rectangular limiting tabs, the tab with rectangular cross-section caused maximum core length reduction. The jet spread and the waves prevailing in the jet field were studied and visualized using pressure profiles and Mach contours, respectively. The present work may be used in understanding and solving complex phenomena occurring in the fields of aeroacoustics noise suppression, reduction of base heating of launch vehicles, supersonic combustion, mitigation of infrared radiations due to chimney smoke, etc., where jet mixing is highly desirable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aerodynamic interference is one of the phenomena that occurs when two flying objects pass near each other. In this case, the change in the pressure distribution on objects passing near each other causes a change in the aerodynamic forces. In this research, the numerical investigation of the flow field between two narrow bodies at a close distance and the pressure changes along them at supersonic speeds is done. The simulation was done in two-dimensional and three-dimensional form, and the k-omega sst was used to model the flow turbulence. The two slender bodies were placed next to each other at speeds of Mach 1.5, 3, and 4.5 and at intervals of 2, 3, and 4 times the diameter of the body. they were examined in two modes with relative motion and without relative motion. The results show that as the free flow velocity increases, the shock wave deforms from bow to oblique and is reflected between the two bodies. Also, as the flow Mach number decreases and the distance between two slender bodies increases, the reflected shock wave becomes weaker. At Mach 1.5 the shock wave reflection between two bodies is not very noticeable, while at Mach 4.5 the shock wave is well reflected between two bodies. In the state of relative motion of two slender bodies, separation occurs at the shock wave reflection points and the number of shock wave reflections decreases compared to the state without relative movement.

Measurement while drilling (MWD) plays an important role in controlling well trajectory, improving drilling efficiency and saving drilling cost. In recent years, a large number of high-temperature wells have appeared, which makes the traditional MWD instruments no longer applicable. So far, no active cooling method has been successfully applied to MWD instruments for high-temperature oil and gas wells. This paper presents a new active cooling method for air drilling by utilizing the throttling and cooling of drilling gas, and the cooling system is designed. An axisymmetric numerical model of internal fluid is established, and different drilling gas flow channel design methods are discussed. The research results indicate that the wall temperature of the cooling section is much higher than the center fluid temperature, but lower than the ambient temperature, and can be used for active cooling of downhole drilling instruments. Compared with other design methods, the supersonic nozzle designed using the Bezier method has better parallelism of the gas in cooling section. The diffusion capability of straight wall diffuser is better than that of curved wall diffuser, and it can withstand greater back pressure. For straight wall diffuser, increasing the throat length and reducing the contraction and expansion angle can improve the diffusion capacity, but they also lead to a longer diffuser.

Axisymmetric direct numerical simulation (DNS) has been carried out to predict supersonic base flow behavior. Substantially fine grid has been used to perform calculations for the flow with Reynolds number up to 106. Optimal grid resolution was established through test calculations for affordable run time and solution convergence determined by the vorticity value. Numerical scheme provides fourth-order approximation for dissipative, fifth-order for convective and second-order for unsteady terms of conservation equations. Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) approach has been employed to obtain input flow profiles for DNS calculations. Series of calculations have been carried out for Mach number 1.5 with Reynolds numbers 104, 105, 106 and for Mach number 2.46 with Reynolds number 1.65·106. It has been found that local base pressure coefficient calculated by DNS is a bit overestimated in a zone close to symmetry axis in comparison with experiment while integrated base drag coefficient shows good agreement with experimental data and noticeably better than one obtained by RANS approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complex fluid-dynamic instabilities and shock waves occurring along the surface of a two-dimensional wedge at high values of the Mach number are studied here through numerical solution of the governing equations. Moreover, a regression model is implemented to determine the pressure distribution for various Mach numbers and angles of incidence. The Mach number spans the interval from 1.5 to 12. The wedge angles (θ) are from 5° to 25°. The pressure ratio (P2/P1) is reported at various locations (x/L) along the 2D wedge. The results of the numerical simulations are compared with the regression model showing good agreement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]