Development of A Sonic Boom Propagation Code For Low-Boom Supersonic Aircraft Design and Optimization

We explicate the development of a sonic boom propagation suite to be integrated into a multi disciplinary framework for low-boom aircraft design and optimization. Due to the fact that sonic boom loudness is the primary constraint in low-boom aircraft optimization, fast and accurate prediction of the loudness on the ground is crucial to obtain an optimum solution. In this regard, a sonic boom prediction code that employs Whith am F-function, equivalent area concept, and augmented Burgers equation solution is developed and implemented in the multidisciplinary design and optimization framework of ITU AeroMDO Laboratory. The developed sonic boom code, ITUBOOM, can be applied in two different fidelity levels. The fast linear solution which is based on Whith am’s theory with uniform atmosphere assumption can be selected for the low-fidelity solution. For the high-fidelity predictions, the numerical solution of the augmented Burgers equation with ray tracing where different atmosphere profiles and aircraft maneuvers can be imported supports more realistic flight conditions. ITUBOOM is adequately validated against NASA’s s BOOM code with different atmosphere profiles and azimuth angles.