This thesis analyzes aerodynamic forces in viscous and compressible external flows. It is unique, as the force theories discussed apply to fully viscous and compressible Navier-Stokes external flows, allowing them to be readily combined with computational fluid dynamics to form a profound basis of modern aerodynamics. This thesis makes three fundamental contributions to theoretical aerodynamics, presenting: (1) a universal far-field zonal structure that determines how disturbance flow quantities decay dynamically to the state of rest at infinity; (2) a universal and exact total-force formula for steady flow and its far-field asymptotics; and (3) a general near-field theory for the detailed diagnosis of all physical constituents of aerodynamic force and moment.

This book details science of hypersonics especially focusing on propulsion aspects such as supersonic combustion ramjets and their applications, and also includes lift and drag in hypersonic flight and their mathematical and physical explanation. It provides charts and data from hypersonic testing and measurements from actual vehicles and engines built in the past. Criteria to dimension hypersonic powered and unpowered vehicles (gliders) based on fundamental fluid dynamics and backed by flight testing; criteria to preliminary sizing vehicles and preliminary dimensioning of supersonic combustors are introduced. The book will serve better theoretical understanding of drag, lift and how to apply them to the design of hypersonic vehicles, as well as data to size vehicles and supersonic combustion ramjet (SCRJ) systems. This book will be a useful reference for researchers and designers in hypersonic vehicles but also second or third-year graduate students.

This excellent, innovative reference offers a wealth of useful information and a solid background in the fundamentals of aerodynamics. Fluid mechanics, constant density inviscid flow, singular perturbation problems, viscosity, thin-wing and slender body theories, drag minimalization, and other essentials are addressed in a lively, literate manner and accompanied by diagrams.

This book is a self-contained text for those students and readers interested in learning hypersonic flow and high-temperature gas dynamics. It assumes no prior familiarity with either subject on the part of the reader. If you have never studied hypersonic and/or high-temperature gas dynamics before, and if you have never worked extensively in the area, then this book is for you. On the other hand, if you have worked and/or are working in these areas, and you want a cohesive presentation of the fundamentals, a development of important theory and techniques, a discussion of the salient results with emphasis on the physical aspects, and a presentation of modern thinking in these areas, then this book is also for you. In other words, this book is designed for two roles: 1) as an effective classroom text that can be used with ease by the instructor, and understood with ease by the student; and 2) as a viable, professional working tool for engineers, scientists, and managers who have any contact in their jobs with hypersonic and/or high-temperature flow.