Estimate of the Generation of Fluctuating Surface Pressures on Hypersonic Vehicles

Abstract

The fluctuating surface-pressure coefficient, i.e., the ratio of root-mean-square pressure at the surface to local dynamic pressure outside the boundary layer, has been shown to be approximately equal to the usual skin friction coefficient. Extremely large fluctuating pressures will be encountered on many missiles and manned aircraft by virtue of the extremely large dynamic pressures associated with high velocities. The integrity of electronic and associated gear may well be jeopardized by such high levels. This paper provides a means of estimating the probable minimum fluctuating surface pressures which will be experienced and indicates the nature of the frequencies which would be expected by virtue of high forward velocity.