Survey of Aerodynamic Drag Reduction at High Speed by Energy Deposition

A selected survey of aerodynamic drag reduction at high speed is presented. The dimensionless governing parameters are described for energy deposition in an ideal gas. The types of energy deposition are divided into two categories. First, energy deposition in a uniform supersonic flow is discussed. Second, energy deposition upstream of a simple aerodynamic body is examined. Both steady and unsteady (pulsed) energy deposition are examined for both categories, as well as the conditions for the formation of shock waves and recirculation regions. The capability of energy deposition to reduce drag is demonstrated experimentally. Areas for future research are briefly discussed.