An Euler code prediction of near field to midfield sonic boom pressure signatures

A new approach is presented for computing sonic boom pressure signatures in the near field to midfield that utilizes a fully three-dimensional Euler finite volume code capable of analyzing complex geometries. Both linear and nonlinear sonic boom methodologies exist but for the most part rely primarily on equivalent area distributions for the prediction of far field pressure signatures. This is due to the absence of a flexible nonlinear methodology that can predict near field pressure signatures generated by three-dimensional aircraft geometries. It is the intention of the present study to present a nonlinear Euler method than can fill this gap and supply the needed near field signature data for many of the existing sonic boom codes.