Published online by Cambridge University Press: 04 July 2016
An overview of some of the problems, which have to be overcome in the design of hypersonic missiles or projectiles, is given. In the main, these are connected with the high levels of heat transfer rate suffered by such vehicles, particularly those induced by aerodynamic control surfaces. Some of the aspects of heat transfer, induced by, and suffered by such controls are presented. Data are presented and discussed, regarding the effects of flow separation due to flaps or flares, the effects of sharp and bluff fins (both swept and unswept). Finally, the aerodynamic interactions and heat transfer rates induced by reaction control jets are presented.