Published online by Cambridge University Press: 28 March 2006
A method for obtaining analytic solutions to the problem of blunt bodies in the supersonic stream of an ideal gas is presented. The solutions are written in terms of power series whose coefficients are elementary functions. These solutions are approximate, but the approximation is rational, i.e. any higher approximation can, in principle, be obtained. Some of these higher approximations have been calculated. Examples are presented for various free-stream conditions and prescribed body shapes. These are compared with results from standard numerical procedure and with available experimental measurements.