Parametric analysis of waverider in hypersonic flow

Abstract

The aerodynamic efficiency of a flight vehicle is measured by the maximum lift-to-drag ratio(L/D) offered by the vehicle. Waveriders are designed as those class of hypersonic vehicles that generate highest value of L/D compared to the generic hypersonic configurations. They have an attached shock all along its leading edge and hence are very maneuverable. The present study deals with the modeling of a waverider using Haack series for the nose design. The parametric study involves the computation of the maximum lift-to-drag ratio for different Mach number ranging from 6 to 12 and the effect of altitude of flight. The effect of angle of attack of the flight with the L/D and the interdependence of these parameters are also studied. The angle attack at which maximum L/D ratios occurs varies from 7.4° to 7.8° for Mach number varying from 6 to 12 for the model considered and is independent of altitude. Comparison of sharp and blunt nose cone designs shows that the sharp edge design has higher L/D ratios. The maximum temperature variation of the model is also studied.