Optimization of Waverider Configurations Generated from Axisymmetric Conical Flows

Analytic results from inviscid hypersonic small-disturbance theory for axisymmetric conical flow are used to generate waverider configurations valid for all values of Kb ^A/^5, where d is the semi vertex angle of the basic cone. By means of the calculus of variations, those configurations are sought that yield the maximum lift-todrag ratio subject to suitable constraints, such as fixed lift, fixed volume, fixed base area, fixed planform area, and so on. The inviscid analysis accounts for wave drag only, but the effects of viscous drag are discussed. For the fixed-lift constraint, two types of optimized configurations are found: types with pointed noses, and types with round noses with sharp leading edges. The results are analytic in nature and particularly suitable for studying the various tradeoffs that are involved in missile design. Comparison of the results with other types of lifting bodies suggests that properly selected cone-derived waveriders are among the best producers of large liftto-drag ratios.

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