Published online by Cambridge University Press: 28 March 2006
The utility of piston theory as a means of solving insentropic two-dimensional aerodynamic problems has been aptly demonstrated by many writers in recent years. The present treatment removes the restriction of isentropic flows, extending the applicability of piston theory to flows with strong shocks. Sample calculations for a thin biconvex airfoil are carried out in which the local flow is assumed to be isentropic and non-isentropic. Comparison of the result is made with that of the shock expansion theory of Cole, Gazley & Williams (1956).