Spectrally Accurate Prediction of Sonic Boom Signals

The development of a new sonic boom prediction methodology is discussed. By solving Burgers' equation, the new method is able to predict accurately the thickness of the shock waves in a boom signal, resulting in a smoothly varying, continuous signal. The resultant signal allows for spectral analysis and the calculation of sonic boom noise metrics. The effects of aircraft maneuvers and accelerations, as well as signal propagation through a real, stratified, windy atmosphere are taken into account through a ray tracing approach. The new method is efficient and accurate, making it a useful tool in the development of supersonic cruise aircraft.