Optimal aerodynamic design of hypersonic inlets by using streamline-tracing techniques

Abstract

Rectangular-to-Ellipse Shape Transition (REST) inlets are a class of inward turning inlets designed for hypersonic flight. The aerodynamic design of REST inlets involves very complex flows and shock-wave patterns. These inlets are used in highly integrated propulsive systems. Often the design of these inlets may require many geometrical constraints at different cross-section. In present work a design approach for hypersonic inward-turning inlets, adapted for REST inlets, is coupled with a multi-objective optimization procedure. The automated procedure iterates on the parametric representation and on the numerical solution of a base flow from which the REST inlet is generated by using streamline tracing and shape transition algorithms. The typical design problem of optimizing the total pressure recovery and mass flow capture of the inlet is solved by the proposed procedure. The accuracy of the optimal solutions found is discussed and the performances of the designed REST inlets are investigated by means of fully 3-D Euler and 3-D RANS analyses.