The development of waveriders from an axisymmetric flowfield

In this paper, waverider configurations are generated by specifying an arbitrary conical shockwave, and a corresponding leading edge. This inverse design approach makes use of a numerical tool that is based on a semi-analytical approach for solving the Euler equations. In the waverider design space, the aerodynamic figure of merit, L/D, is considered a function of the shapes of both the conical shockwaves and leading edges. Further, the waverider configuration and its aerodynamic performance are considered functions of eight design parameters. The method yields practical vehicle shapes with acceptable volumetric efficiencies. The design method is computationally efficient and permits rapid parametric studies. Several viscous optimized waverider configurations were constructed and their aero performance analyzed. Results show that the waveriders created have acceptable L/D when compared to the Kuchemann Barrier.