Aerospace · Aerodynamics

Supersonic Flow & Shock Wave Analysis

Intermediate 5 weeks 35-50 hours

Design supersonic aircraft component. Model shock waves and expansion fans. Calculate aerodynamic loads at supersonic Mach numbers.

Major

Aerospace

Focus area

Aerodynamics

Total hours

35-50 hours

What you'll need

  • Software only - Python for shock-expansion theory, CFD tools

Steps

  1. Pick a component like a wedge inlet or diamond airfoil.
  2. Code oblique shock and expansion fan equations in Python.
  3. Calculate pressure distribution at several Mach numbers.
  4. Calculate lift and drag from the pressure distribution.
  5. Compare your results to CFD or published data.
  6. Document the analysis for your portfolio.

What to photograph for your portfolio

  • Pressure coefficient distribution
  • shock wave location diagram
  • aerodynamic loading contours
  • Mach number plots

Resume bullet starters

Copy one, then swap in your own numbers.

  • Engineered a supersonic flow & shock wave analysis using Compressible flow, shock-expansion theory, supersonic aerodynamics

  • Applied Python/MATLAB to implement, test, and validate the analysis end-to-end

Skills you'll show off

Compressible flowshock-expansion theorysupersonic aerodynamicsPython/MATLAB

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