Aerodynamic Design of Supersonic Wings with High Aerodynamic Efficiency

Kurzfassung

The design of supersonic waveriders with high aerodynamic efficiency is investigated. This approach is motivated by the high wing aspects ratios obtained with supersonic leading edges as compared to the traditional subsonic leading edges. Moreover, the choice of supersonic leading edges may pave the way to laminar flow with low friction drag, because it is believed that the boundary layers exhibit low levels of crossflow. Sensitivity analysis of the aerodynamic efficiency of supersonic waveriders with respect to design lift, wing aspect ratio and planform shape is presented. Stability analysis of the laminar boundary layers near the leading edge is used to assess the relative importance of streamwise and crossflow instabilities. The results obtained so far indicate that waverider designs are promising for supersonic transport configurations.