Hypersonic Flight Simulation: Aerodynamics

In this lecture an attempt is made to partially assess the current status and direction of laboratory simulation of the aerodynamics of full-scale, hypersonic flight. Problems of simulation related to establishing satisfactory flow fields and the determination of the basic aerodynamic quantities consisting of pressures, forces, and moments, on scale models in these laboratory environments are discussed. In addition, some questions arising in extending scale-model data to full-scale are noted. Other important hypersonic simulation problems are the subjects of later lecturers.