Calculation of Irrotational Axisymmetric Supersonic Flowfields

Summary

In this work new characteristics methods for axisymmetric flow are treated. As in the linear Sauer-Heinz procedure, all these methods use, besides the u-component, the v-component multiplied by y. For the procedure in the most general form, the product yvρ/ρ _∞ is decisive as the second independent variable. With such a combination of variables, one obtains very simple, rapidly working methods for slender bodies in the transonic range, which are also useful for rather large body apex angles. Further, one gets a new exact method, which is superior to the older methods with respect to accuracy and rapidity of execution, particularly in the domain of moderate supersonic velocities. A comparison with the experiments and with the linear method shows a wide applicability of the latter method.

Translated by P. Niyogi from K. Oswatitsch, „Die Berechnung wirbelfreier achsensymmetrischer Überschallfelder“, Österreichisches Ingenieur-Archiv, 10 (1956), 359–382.

Translator’s Note: After publication of this work, it was observed by Prof. Oswatitsch that the order of magnitude relations suggested in the last paragraph of the work, corresponding to a second order theory, are not uniformly valid in the entire flow field.