THE CALCULUS OF VARIATIONS IN APPLIED AERODYNAMICS AND FLIGHT MECHANICS
Abstract
The use of the calculus of variations techniques in applied aerodynamics is reviewed with particular regard to the determination of the geometry of the slender body of revolution having minimum pressure drag in Newtonian flow as well as of the two-dimensional wing having minimum pressure drag in linearized supersonic flow. Also, the use of variational techniques in flight mechanics is reviewed with particular regard to the determination of the optimum paths for a rocket vehicle flying in either a vacuum or a resisting medium. Discontinuous solutions are discussed and the use of the switching function for predicting the composition of the extremal arc is demonstrated. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1961
- Accession Number
- AD0267359
Entities
People
- Angelo Miele
Organizations
- Boeing