Survey of Aerodynamic Drag Reduction at High Speed by Energy Deposition

TLDR

Future research directions in aerodynamic drag reduction via energy deposition are outlined. This survey presents a systematic review of aerodynamic drag reduction at high speed. The authors analyze energy deposition in ideal gas flows, distinguishing uniform supersonic flow and upstream deposition, and evaluate both steady and pulsed regimes, including shock wave and recirculation formation. Experimental evidence demonstrates that energy deposition can effectively reduce aerodynamic drag.

Abstract

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.