Two-dimensional descent through a compressible atmosphere: Sequential deceleration of an unpowered load

Equations, based on Rayleigh's drag law valid for high Reynolds number, are derived for two-dimensional motion through a compressible atmosphere in isentropic equilibrium, such as characterizes the Earth's troposphere. Solutions yield horizontal and vertical displacement, velocity, and acc...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Europhysics letters 2010-02, Vol.89 (4), p.48002
Main Author: Silverman, M. P
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
89.20.-a
89.20.Bb
89.40.Dd
Aircraft
Atmospheres
Deceleration
Descent
High Reynolds number
Horizontal
Mathematical analysis
Mathematical models
Two dimensional
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Summary:Equations, based on Rayleigh's drag law valid for high Reynolds number, are derived for two-dimensional motion through a compressible atmosphere in isentropic equilibrium, such as characterizes the Earth's troposphere. Solutions yield horizontal and vertical displacement, velocity, and acceleration as a function of altitude and ground-level temperature. An exact analytical solution to the equations linearized in the aero-thermodynamic parameter is given; in general the equations must be solved numerically. The theory, applied to the unpowered fall of a large aircraft stabilized to flat descent by symmetrical, sequential deployment of horizontal and vertical decelerators, shows that such an aircraft can be brought down with mean peak deployment and impact decelerations below 10g.
ISSN:0295-5075
1286-4854
DOI:10.1209/0295-5075/89/48002