Drag reduction by controlled base flow separation for missile shaped bodies flying at hypersonic Mach number

Abstract

The problem of wake flow at high speeds and the drag associated with it are a significant source of observation in the design of missiles, projectiles and other typical high speed vehicles. A large separated wake at the base of the body in flight would cause an increase in the overall drag due to reduced base pressure force, which otherwise would oppose the axial force on the body. The wake studies of high speed bodies also gain importance due to the severe aerodynamic heating problem and a high rise in the temperature of the base flow.