Sustained Hypersonic Cruise Flight

Hypersonic cruise demands designs achievable only via multidisciplinary optimization techniques considering fully integrated propulsion systems. Additionally, environmental issues and thermal problems may require solutions using non-conventional flow-control techniques based on e.g. jet-spikes and magneto gas dynamics.

Multidisciplinary optimization of a Mach 6 transport configuration; Top and front view showing the changes introduced by the process

Sonic boom reduction by shock manipulation using a counter-flow-aero-jet-spike at the nose of the vehicle; Pressure field without (top) and with (bottom) a 45deg active jet-spike

Heat flux reduction by shock manipulation using a magnet inside the nose of the vehicle; Pressure field without (top) and with (bottom) magnetic interaction; Embedded fig.: hypersonic head equipped with an electro-magnet for testing in the high enthalpy shock-tunnel Göttingen (HEG)