Experimental Results on a Mach 14 Waverider with Blunt Leading Edges

The results of wind-tunnel tests of a Mach 14 waverider were analyzed to assess its overall performance. The waverider was optimized using a e gure of merit that included viscosity, volume, and lift-to-drag considerations. The e nal design included a 0.25-in. leading-edge radius. The general performance of the tested waverider was analyzed and compared to the theoretical design from which it was derived. The theoretical design was generated from a conical e owe eld, where the vehicle’ s ine nitely sharp leading edges were everywhere-attached to the conical shock. Since the tested waverider featured blunt leading edges, it was important to assess the performance losses associated with e ow spillage; these losses were found to be relatively small. However, the increased drag due to the blunt leading edges contributed greatly to reducing the aerodynamic performance of the tested waverider. Also, it was found that the aerodynamic coefe cient data were insensitive to changes in Mach number and Reynolds number, indicating excellent off-design performance for the ranges of values tested.