Supersonic Wave Drag of Thin Airfoils

Author: Puckett, Allen Emerson

Year: 1949

Degree: Dissertation (Ph.D.)

Advisors: von Kármán, Theodore; Stewart, Homer Joseph

Committee Member: Unknown, Unknown

Option: Aeronautics; Mathematics

DOI: 10.7907/HYJJ-3241

Abstract

The linearization of the equations of motion for the supersonic flow of a perfect fluid is discussed, and methods of solution using elementary source sink solutions are developed. These methods are applied to the calculation of performance of several types of three-dimensional supersonic airfoils; in particular, the drag at zero lift of a family of almost triangular, symmetrical wings is calculated. The significance of the results is discussed.

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