Part 1: Basic Mathematical Theory†
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 07 June 2016
Equations for the calculation of the subsonic flow of an inviscid fluid through given two-dimensional channels (the “ direct” problem), and for the design (the “ indirect” problem) of such channels are derived. The method is based on conformal mapping, and in the special case of channels with walls made from a number of straight sections, or with wall pressure prescribed as step-functions, yields the same results as the well-known Schwarz-Christoffel mapping theorem technique. However, it is more general than this latter method, since it is capable of dealing with curved walls or continuously varying wall pressures. The compressibility of the fluid is allowed for only approximately, the ideal gas being replaced by a Kàrmàn-Tsien tangent gas.
In Part II the theory is applied to various problems of aeronautical interest, perhaps the most important of which is to the setting of “ streamlined ” walls about a symmetrical aerofoil placed in the centre of the channel.
The work described in this paper was done early in 1952 while the author was a member of the New Zealand Scientific Defence Corps, seconded to the Aerodynamics Division of the National Physical Laboratory, Teddington.
Part II will be published in November 1955