Evaluation of Potential Damage to Unconventional Structures by Sonic Booms

Abstract : Supersonic operations of U.S. Air Force aircraft cause sonic booms which may be the source of damage to unconventional structures. This problem is addressed in this report by (1) a literature survey of damage prediction and damage assessment techniques for such structures; (2) development of a statistical model for sonic boom overpressures with emphasis on supersonic operating areas (SOAs) employed for air combat maneuver training; (3) development of an analytical model to predict the probability of damage; (4) execution of a limited experimental program at White Sands Missile Range to evaluate response and potential damage of two unconventional structures in support of the prediction model; and finally (5) definition of algorithms for use in the Air Force ASAN computer program for evaluation of the probability of damage to unconventional structures from sonic booms.