Conservative calculations of non-isentropic transonic flows

Abstract

SUMMARY The classical potential formulation of inviscid transonic flows is modified to account for non-isentropic effects. The density is determined in terms ofthe speed as well as the pressure, which in turn is calculated from a second-order mixed-type equation derived via differentiating the momentum equations. The present model differs in general from the exact inviscid Euler equations since the flow is assumed irrotational. On the other hand, since the shocks are not isentropic, they are weaker and are placed further upstream compared to the classical potential solution. Furthermore, the streamline leaving the aerofoil does not necessarily bisect the trailing edge. Results for the present conservative calculations are presented for non-lifting and lifting aerofoils at subsonic and transonic speeds and compared to potential and Euler solutions.