Mixed Missions - Potential Improvements in Thermal Management of Hypersonic Designs 670354
The potential advantages of hypersonic vehicles compatible with missions combining more than one cruise flight regime are developed. Gasdynamic heating is discussed as one of the most challenging areas in the development of their propulsion systems, and the role of thermal management on the design of hypersonic vehicles is emphasized. Mixed missions result in vehicles with higher structural efficiency and lower fuel equivalence ratios, and these benefits are presented in terms of their effect on range. Further, mixed missions are shown to complement current research and development of high-temperature materials.
