Application of Compound Compressible Flow to Hypersonic Three-Dimensional Inlets

Abstract

A method for correcting flow non-uniformities and incorporating multiple oblique shocks waves into compound compressible flow is presented. This method has several applications and is specifically presented for the problem of creating a streamline-traced hypersonic three-dimensional inlet. This method uses compound compressible flow theory to solve for the freestream flow entering a pre-defined duct with a desired downstream profile. This method allows for multiple iterations of the design space and is computational inexpensive. A method is also presented for modeling a laminar or turbulent boundary layer to compare inlet designs and to determine the viscous correction to the inlet. Two different Mach 6 designs were evaluated, with a rectangular capture area and circular combustor with a uniform temperature, pressure, and Mach number profile. Comparison with other three-dimensional inlets indicates those designed with this method demonstrate good inviscid performance. These inlets also have the ability to correct incoming flow non-uniformities.