Assessment of an Improved Theory for Fuller Program Development of Sonic-Boom Prediction and Submarine Impact Study

Recent studies indicate the need for improving sonic-boom prediction methods and addressing critical theoretical issues such as: (A) focused sonic boom (superboom), arising from the transition through the threshold Mach number and from the aircraft maneuver; and (B) sonic boom impact on submarine/estuary environment. Based on an approach initially developed at the HKC Research in recent years, a 6-month program is proposed to further develop and extend the works on the superboom and related mid-field analyses, including time-evolution of the mid-field signature, improved 3-D calculations for the superboom and methods for their mitigation. Utilizing the mid-field code, the 3-D submarine wave field is shown recoverable from a method based on the concept of a curved lifting line; a procedure, which consists of solving a direct lifting-wing problem above the water, and the inverse lifting-wing problem under the water, is proposed. Examples of relevance to design of field experiments are considered; the significance of surface waviness on a submarine sonic-boom wave field will be studies.