Stability of axisymmetric boundary layers on sharp cones at hypersonic Mach numbers

The stability of sharp-cone boundary layers at zero angle of attack is investigated. Standard linear stability theory is used to perform a numerical study at an edge Mach number M(e) of 6.8 of normal-mode stability characteristics on an adiabatic-wall cone with special reference to the conditions of the stability experiment of Stetson et al. (1983). Comparisons of the calculations with experimental measurements bring out major areas of disagreement which remain to be resolved even in this simple case. Finally, a series of calculations of both cone and flat-plate N factors at M(e) of 4.5, 5.8, and 6.8 is used to study the relation between transition on a cone and flat plate based on stability theory.