Aerodynamic coefficients of non-conical bodies with a star-shaped transverse cross section

It is well known that, in a supersonic flow, the wave resistance of a body of non-round transverse cross section can be less than the resistance of an equivalent body of revolution with the same length and volume. Starting from 1959, when an exact solution was obtained to the problem of supersonic flow around conical bodies with a pyramidal system of flat discontinuities [1], a number of publications have appeared [2–5] developing this direction. Article [3] pointed out the possibility of achieving a flow with reflected shock waves, normal to the faces of a pyramidal body, by selection of the form of the leading edge. In [6, 7], using the Newton resistance law, bodies were constructed with a transverse cross section of a star-shaped form, having a wave resistance several times less than for an equivalent body of revolution. Just such forms, with certain limitations, have the least wave resistance and retain optimality with respect to the total resistance, taking approximate account of friction forces. Still two more exact solutions were then found, corresponding to flow around star-shaped bodies with regular and Mach interaction between shock waves [8, 9]. At a seminar of the Institute of Mechanics of Moscow State University, G. G. Chernyi advanced the postulation of the existence of certain classes of three-dimensional bodies not having the property of similitude and retaining optimality with respect to determined characteristics, for example, the resistance, the aerodynamic quality, or the torque, and stated partial problems of finding various forms of optimal bodies. Classes of bodies, optimal with respect to the resistance, were obtained within the framework of the Newton theory; the bodies consisted of helical surfaces, as well as of sections of planes and conical surfaces, formed by straight lines connecting the leading edges with a round contour. As a result of calculations using the Newton theory and experimental investigations it was established that bodies with a wedge-shaped nose part, with determined geometric parameters, have greater values of the lifting and of the aerodynamic quality than round cones [10]. The possibility of lowering the resistance and increasing the aerodynamic quality of aircraft by giving them shapes of the transverse cross section in the form of a star [11–14] leads to new investigations of three-dimensional bodies which retain optimality with respect to their aerodynamic characteristics, and are used in conjunction with bodies of revolution. This latter factor is of decisive importance with the use of such configurations as the nose part of the aircraft, or of a multi-step diffusor. The present article gives the results of an experimental investigation of flow around two classes of such bodies: multi-wedge and helical.Translated from Izvestiya Akademii Nauk SSSR, Mekhanika Zhidkosti i Gaza, No. 6, pp. 127–132, November–December, 1974.