Book Description

This Paper describes an experimental study performed in the RAE Low Density Tunnel to determine the aerodynamic characteristics of a range of slender axisymmetric bodies in rarefied hypersonic flow. The main purpose of this study was to assess the effects of cone angle, nose bluntness and Reynolds number on the zero incidence drag of cones. In addition, some measurements of axial force, normal force and pitching moment at incidence were made. The bodies were tested at a nominal Mach number of 10 and at flow conditions which correspond to those in the transitional rarefied flow regime. These data have been compared with correlations developed to represent the change in drag coefficient in this flow regime between continuum and free molecular flow.