The effect of a position and shape of local energy source on the aerodynamic characteristics of a supersonic vehicle

A local energy source placed upstream of a supersonic vehicle can have a considerable effect on its total aerodynamic characteristics and flight trajectory. This yields a possibility of controlling both the vehicle velocity and flight direction by introducing a local energy source into the flow. It is found that when studying the influence of the source of flow disturbances on the lift force and moment characteristics one cannot ignore the factors of transverse overflow of compression and rarefaction waves. The influence of this factor is particularly noticeable at moderate Mach numbers.