Moments and Forces on General Convex Bodies in Hypersonic Flow.
by Jack Pike.
AIAA Journal, Vol 12, No 9, Sept 1974, pp 1241-1247.

Summary.
Newtonian Impact theory is used to derive differential equations for the moments and forces on convex bodies in hypersonic flow. These equations are solved for a wide range of conditions, to give analytical expressions for the moments and forces in which the constants of integration become parameters to be determined for the particular body. It is found that the force solutions partially duplcate previous work, but no previously comparable expressions exist for the moments. The constants of integration are found either by direct calculation of the Newtonian moments and forces at convenient orientations of the body, or by substituting other known values. This latter procedure forms the basis of a method for extending the validity of Newtonian estimates to a wider range of conditions. Several examples are presented including an estimate of the static stability of the Apollo Command Module.

Comment.
It is shown how Newton's Impact theory may be used to expand known discrete aerodynamic values to give a wide range of forces and moments for various bodies. The discrete values may be calculated using Newtonian theory, but can also use wind tunnel measurements or computed CFD results, giving a means of interpolating from sparse results using a scheme which represents the aerodynamics of high Mach numbers.

Availability.
AIAA papers are obtainable from arc.aiaa.org
or email j a c k @ j a c k p i k e . c o . u k

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Last amended: Dec 2013.