The numerical solution of compressible fluid flow problems

Numerical methods have been developed for obtaining the steady, adiabatic flow field of a frictionless, perfect gas about arbitrary two-dimensional bodies. The solutions include the subsonic velocity regions, the supersonic velocity regions, and the transition compression shocks, if required. Furthermore, the rotational motion and entropy changes following shocks are taken into account. Extensive use is made of the relaxation method. In this report the details of the methods of solution are emphasized so as to permit others to solve similar problems. Solutions already obtained are mentioned only by way of illustrating the possibilities of the methods described. The methods can be applied directly to wind tunnel and free air tests of arbitrary airfoil shapes at subsonic, sonic, and supersonic speeds.