A survey and correlation of data on heat transfer by forced convection at supersonic speeds

Abstract

This report surveys and, wherever possible, correlates experimental data available in the united Kingdom up to January 1953 on heat transfer by forced convection to bodies moving through the air at supersonic speeds (or the corresponding wind-tunnel problem). The main aim of the investigation was to seek possible explanations for the occasional apparent inconsistencies between wind-tunnel results from different sources, between wind-tunnel and flight results and between either type of experimental results and the predictions of theory. The main topics covered are kinetic temperature rise, heat-transfer coefficients and transition from laminar to turbulent flow. Conclusions are reached concerning the reliability of the data for design purposes and suggestions are made concerning the most useful fields of study for future experimental work. Additional note to Summary. October, 1956. A considerable amount of further evidence has become available in the years since 1953 and in places it is necessary to amend some of the statements made in this report. This has been done by adding footnotes prefixed by the date 1956.