This film explores the transonic regime where mixed subsonic and supersonic flow regimes exist over a body in flight.

The characteristics of flows and shock wave behaviour (including shock stall) are explained using detailed, wind tunnel imagery from tests on aerofoils and aircraft.

The impact of the above characteristics of lift and drag are shown across the speed range from subsonic to supersonic, highlighting the significant increase in drag from wave drag in the transonic regime.

The impact of these flow characteristics on aircraft performance and stability is then reviewed, including localised effects on aileron performance and the causes of buffeting. Sonic booms are also explained using graphics.

Finally, the film shows how design changes can be introduced to alleviate transonic flow effects. These include tailplane configuration options, area-rule design, wing LE shape and the use of vortex generators. Methods for overcoming wave drag using advanced propulsion concepts are also discussed.

The film includes in-flight footage of a range of early high-speed aircraft including the English Electric Lightning, de Havilland D.H.115 Vampire, Hawker Hunter, North American F-100C-NA Super Sabre and Lockheed F-104 Starfighter, amongst others.

This is Part 2 of a trilogy of films that explore the aerodynamics of high-speed flight. Lasting for 19-minutes, it is a Shell Film Unit educational colour film, directed by Denis Segaller and photographed by Sidney Beadle and Ronald Whitehouse.

The Royal Aeronautical Society has received the permissions for sharing these videos by Shell International Limited. For use of videos for non-commercial purposes credit the Royal Aeronautical Society with the respective company. For commercial use and for further information on each videos copyright, contact: nal@aerosociety.com

свернуть