Waverider Design with Parametric Flow Quality control by Inverse Method of Characteristics

Abstract

This contribution reports about a generalization of the successful "Osculating Cones" method for designing waverider forebodies and inlets, to an "Osculating Axisymmetry" (OA) concept for obtaining shapes with higher volumetric efficiency and flow quality control on the inlet plane. The approach is based on an inverse axisymmetric method of characteristics which through the OA concept allows the construction of 3D Euler equations within a few seconds on a workstation. Thus we have a useful tool for aerodynamic and multidisciplinary optimization efforts to design high speed configurations. Computational flow analysis examples confirm the inverse approach as illustrated for a number of OC waveriders designed at DLR. The status of applications to full aerospace vehicle integration is shown.