Mixed Compression Air-Intake Design for High-Speed Transportation

Main objective of this book chapter is to explain design procedure of a mixed compression supersonic air intake. Conceptual design of air intake, modelling and simulation of supersonic flow, design of sub-components, design point of view, the objectives, constraints, phenomenon observed during the design period are mentioned. “Optimum” supersonic air-intake configuration for high speed transport aircraft are introduced briefly. Furthermore, strategy for the air-intake design of previous projects and design methodology are mentioned. Although it seems the performance requirements is enough for the successful design; operability, endurance and low-cost of the air intake are other important design goals. The aim of achieving that integration of the air-intake configuration to the propulsion system is investigated. Employing wind tunnel tests for all design alternatives makes the design period extremely long and inefficient. Instead, a simulation method of the air intake is proposed. Comparison of the results of the simulations and wind tunnel experiments are represented.