Hypersonic Technology For Military Application

This study was undertaken in response to a request by the U.S. Air Force that the National Research Council (NRC) examine whether the technologies that underlie the concept of a hypersonic, air-launched, air-breathing, hydrocarbon-fueled missile with speeds up to Mach 81 can be demonstrated in time to be initially operational by 2015. To conduct the study, the NRC appointed the Committee on Review and Evaluation of the Air Force Hypersonic Technology Program, under the auspices of the Air Force Science and Technology Board.

This study was undertaken in response to a request by the U.S. Air Force that the National Research Council (NRC) examine whether the technologies that underlie the concept of a hypersonic, air-launched, air-breathing, hydrocarbon-fueled missile with speeds up to Mach 81 can be demonstrated in time to be initially operational by 2015. To conduct the study, the NRC appointed the Committee on Review and Evaluation of the Air Force Hypersonic Technology Program, under the auspices of the Air Force Science and Technology Board.

Delving into the Realm of Hypersonic Missiles In the ever-evolving landscape of military technology, hypersonic missiles stand as a vanguard of innovation, poised to transform the face of warfare. These marvels of engineering, capable of exceeding Mach 5, shatter the boundaries of conventional weaponry, offering unparalleled speed, maneuverability, and destructive power. Their emergence has ignited a global arms race, as nations scramble to develop and deploy these formidable weapons systems. This comprehensive exploration of hypersonic missile technology embarks on a journey through the fascinating realm of hypersonic flight. From its origins in science fiction to its current status as a critical component of modern military arsenals, we delve into the intricate physics, propulsion concepts, and guidance systems that propel these marvels of engineering. Along the way, we encounter the challenges and opportunities presented by hypersonic weapons, exploring their impact on global security and the prospects for arms control. A Glimpse into the Future of Warfare As hypersonic missiles continue to evolve, their implications for warfare grow ever more profound. Their ability to penetrate hardened defenses, attack with unprecedented precision, and evade traditional missile defense systems poses a significant threat to the strategic balance of power. Moreover, their potential applications extend beyond traditional warfare, raising concerns about their use in asymmetric conflicts and the disruption of international stability. Navigating the Ethical Landscape The development and deployment of hypersonic weapons raise complex ethical and legal considerations. The potential for devastating civilian casualties, the erosion of arms control agreements, and the increased risk of escalation demand careful consideration and responsible stewardship of this revolutionary technology. Seeking Cooperation in a New Era In the face of these challenges, international cooperation is essential to mitigate the risks associated with hypersonic weapons. Fostering dialogue and finding common ground on arms control measures can help prevent the proliferation of these destabilizing technologies and promote global security. A Call for Responsible Innovation As we explore the frontiers of hypersonic missile technology, we must remain mindful of its potential impact on the world we inhabit. Responsible innovation demands a commitment to transparency, accountability, and the pursuit of peace. It is our collective responsibility to harness the power of technology for the betterment of humanity, not for its destruction. Join us on this journey as we unravel the mysteries of hypersonic missile technology, unraveling its potential for both destruction and innovation. Together, we can shape the future of warfare and ensure that the pursuit of progress does not come at the cost of humanity's safety and security.

The interaction of an impinging shock with the bow-shock generated by a blunt geometry is examined numerically for hypersonic (Mach 8, perfect gas) flows with modified Steger-Warming flux-split scheme. The modifications are designed to reduce numerical dissipation in the boundary layer thus improving the resolution and accuracy of the resulting algorithm. The full 2-D Navier- Stokes equations are solved in finite-volume formulation with central differencing for viscous terms and residual driven line Gauss-Seidel relaxation for time advancement. Grid resolution studies are performed. For a Type IV interaction, comparison with surface pressure and heat-transfer rates display good overall agreement with experimental values. For a Type III+ interaction, a detailed comparison is made with experimental surface quantities and a computation with Van Leer's flux-splitting algorithm. The peak amplification of pressure is modestly overpredicted with the current algorithm. The computed peak heat transfer is comparable to that obtained in previous research with Van Leer's splitting, although anomalous behavior is observed in the vicinity of the stagnation point. This behavior may be eliminated with appropriate corrections.

Aircraft Engines and Gas Turbines is widely used as a text in the United States and abroad, and has also become a standard reference for professionals in the aircraft engine industry. Unique in treating the engine as a complete system at increasing levels of sophistication, it covers all types of modern aircraft engines, including turbojets, turbofans, and turboprops, and also discusses hypersonic propulsion systems of the future. Performance is described in terms of the fluid dynamic and thermodynamic limits on the behavior of the principal components: inlets, compressors, combustors, turbines, and nozzles. Environmental factors such as atmospheric pollution and noise are treated along with performance. This new edition has been substantially revised to include more complete and up-to-date coverage of compressors, turbines, and combustion systems, and to introduce current research directions. The discussion of high-bypass turbofans has been expanded in keeping with their great commercial importance. Propulsion for civil supersonic transports is taken up in the current context. The chapter on hypersonic air breathing engines has been expanded to reflect interest in the use of scramjets to power the National Aerospace Plane. The discussion of exhaust emissions and noise and associated regulatory structures have been updated and there are many corrections and clarifications.