Superior Distributions of Mach Numbers in Osculating Waverider Using Variable Conical Flows

In order to study the superior distributions of Mach numbers in the variable-Mach-number waverider (VMW), this work employed B-spline to represent Mach number distributions. The superior distributions of VMWs were determined due to the fact that the VMWs featured better lift-to-drag ([Formula: see text]) ratios than the conventional fixed-Mach-number waveriders (FMWs) with the same leading edge and volume. One hundred samples of Mach number distributions were generated, and then 100 VMWs were built, along with 100 FMWs by adjusting the design Mach number. Automated procedures of computational fluid dynamics were applied to calculate the aerodynamic performance of the waveriders. The results indicate that B-spline showed strong control ability, diversity, and smoothness in expressing Mach number distributions. When the leading edges and volume were identical, the probability of finding superior VMWs over a wide range of velocities was just 17%; accordingly, the average performance of the VMWs was worse than that of FMWs. Although VMWs have the potential to break the variation trend in the aerodynamic performance of conventional waveriders, the probability of being superior to FMWs is low. The flowfield analysis of the superior configuration indicates that the VMW exhibited a larger pressure gradient on the lower surface, which may account for its performance differences compared with traditional waveriders.