Analysis of the Flow About Delta Wings with Leading Edge Separation at Supersonic Speeds

A research program was conducted to develop an improved theoretical flow model for the flow about sharp edge delta wings with leading-edge separation at supersonic speeds. The flow model incorporates a representation of the secondary separation region which occurs just inboard of the leading edge on such wings and is based on a slender-wing theory whereby the full three-dimensional problem is reduced to a quasi two-dimensional problem in the cross-flow plane. The secondary separation region was modeled by a surface distribution of singularities or a linearized type of cavity representation. The primary vortex and separation were modeled by a concentrated vortex and cut in the cross-flow potential which represents its feeding sheet. The cross-flow solutions for the cavity model were obtained, but these solutions have physical significance only in a very restricted range of angle of attack. The reasons for the failure of the flow model are discussed. The analysis is presented so that other interested researchers may critically review the work.