Wave drag reduction due to a self aligning aerodisk

Abstract

The effect of a self-aligning aerodisk on the wave drag of a blunt slender body in a pitching maneuver has been numerically investigated. The self-alignment was realized by a coupling of the flow solver and a flight mechanics tool. The slender body was pitched with high repetition rate between $\alpha =0^\circ$ and $\alpha=20^\circ$ at $M = 1.41$. Even at high $\alpha$ the concept could align the aerodisk to the oncoming flow. In comparison to the reference body without a self-aligning aerodisk a distinct drag reduction is achieved. A comparison with existing experimental data shows a qualitatively good agreement considering the shock and separation structure and the kinematics of the aerodisk.