Aerodynamic study of three waveriders based on a new optimization process

A method for waverider configuration optimization available to any shapes of reference flow field has been developed, which provides the optimal series rather than the single optimal point as preparative design options. Three types of ideal waverider configurations with largest lift-to-drag and volume-to-length ratio are obtained based on this method at the given design condition. The optimization results indicate that, the common C-shape ideal waveriders generally provide the highest lift-to-drag ratio, while the M-shape configurations offer substantially larger volume-to-length ratio, allowing a 17%∼59% gain in volume with only a 1.8%∼3% decrease in lift-to-drag ratio, compared to the C-shape. And the Ω-shape is subtle to configuration parameters. However, when the leading edge is blunted, the Ω-shape suffers the least lift-to-drag degrading, thus becomes the type with highest lift-to-drag ratio among the three. Besides, given the center of gravity prescribed in this paper, the Ω-shape has the best stability both longitudinally and laterally. Finally, Different aerodynamic characteristics of the three types and their property changes after blunting, prove the necessity of keeping the optimal series in the optimization process, as well as provide information for waverider design projects.