Effects of roughness size on the position of boundary-layer transition and on the aerodynamic characteristics of a 55 deg. swept delta wing at supersonic speeds

An experimental investigation was conducted to determine the effects of roughness size on the position of boundary layer transition and on the aerodynamic characteristics of a 55 deg swept delta wing model. Results are presented and discussed for wind tunnel tests conducted at free stream Mach numbers from 1.50 to 4.63, Reynolds numbers per meter from 3,300,000 to 1.6 x 10 to the 7th power, angles of attack from -8 to 16 deg, and roughness sizes ranging from 0.027 cm sand grit to 0.127 cm high cylinders. Comparisons were made with existing flat plate data. An approximate method was derived for predicting the drag of roughness elements used in boundary layer trips.