Aerodynamic characteristics of a two-dimensional supersonic biplane, covering its take-off to cruise conditions

Supersonic biplanes can possibly achieve low-boom and low-drag supersonic flights. In the present study, aerodynamic analysis and design of two-dimensional (2-D) biplanes were investigated with the help of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tools. By utilizing an inverse-design method, a 2-D biplane configuration with lower wave drag than the single flat-plate airfoil at sufficient lift conditions (C _l > 0.14) was designed at its design Mach number (M _∞ = 1.7). In general, although, supersonic biplanes show superior aerodynamic characteristics at their design Mach numbers, unfortunately, they are characterized by poor performances under their off-design conditions. Flow choking occurs at high subsonic speeds, and continues to Mach numbers greater than the design Mach number in the acceleration stage due to flow hysteresis. Hinged slats and flaps were applied as high-lift devices to avoid the flow choking and concomitant hysteresis problems, and were also used as actual high-lift devices under take-off and landing conditions. As further improvement, morphing and Fowler motion were considered. Finally, a series of 2-D biplane configurations from take-off (and landing) to cruise conditions were studied by applying the slats and flaps, as well as morphing mechanisms, to our inversely designed biplane.