Fluctuating pressure loads under high speed boundary layers

Abstract

Aeroacoustic fatigue is anticipated to control the design of significant portions of the structures of high-speed vehicles. This is due to contemplated long-duration flights at high dynamic pressures and Mach numbers with related high skin temperatures. Fluctuating pressure loads are comparatively small beneath attached turbulent boundary layers, but become important in regions of flow separation such as compression and expansion corners on elevons and rudders. The most intense loads are due to shock/boundary-layer interaction. These flows may occur in the engine-exhaust wall jet and in flows over control surfaces. A brief review is given of available research in these areas with a description of work under way at Langley Research Center.