Aerodynamic characteristics of a wedge and cone at hypersonic Mach numbers

• Main Author: Scherer, L. R.
• Format: Others
• Published: 1950
• Online Access: https://thesis.library.caltech.edu/608/1/Scherer_lr_1950.pdf; Scherer, L. R. (1950) Aerodynamic characteristics of a wedge and cone at hypersonic Mach numbers. Engineer's thesis, California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/29PE-XX71. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-02112009-150520 <https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-02112009-150520>

Up to the present time, the reliability of the determination of aerodynamic characteristics at hypersonic Mach numbers by theoretical calculations has been unknown due to the lack of experimental data. This report is the calculations of these characteristics by four different theories of a wedge and a cone over a range of Mach numbers from 2 to 12. Correlation of these results with wind tunnel tests was not possible due to scheduling difficulties of the hypersonic wind tunnel; therefore, this report is designed to serve as the basis for comparison of future hypersonic experiments. From correlation of the various theories it is found that the closest agreement to the exact theory at hypersonic speeds is given by the hypersonic similarity theory. Above Mach numbers of about 3, the first and second order theories deviate considerably from the exact theory.