A class of three-dimensional, optimum hypersonic wings.

A limiting case of hypersonic flow is considered in which Mm —> °o • the flow deflections are small so that hypersonic small-disturbance theory applies. Within this framework there are various, known, exact solutions for flow past axisymmetric bodies. These flows are those for which the shock shape follows a power law rs '~ x*. The idea used in this paper is to construct the compression side of a lifting wing from the known streamlines in the flow behind the power-law shock wave. By considering families of such wings an optimum problem is considered, namely, to find the wing with given lift which produces a minimum wave resistance. The optimum problem is solved by variatioiial methods. Numerical results are are obtained for a range of n from ^ to 10, with y = 1.4.