Hypersonic Technologies and Systems - 535.608

“Hypersonics” is a general term used to describe flight at speeds greater than Mach 5 (or five times the sound speed). The technologies associated with hypersonic flight have been investigated for many decades and applications of hypersonic systems currently include ballistic missiles, re-entry vehicles, launch vehicles, and interceptor missiles. There is currently a resurgence in interest in new hypersonic applications for weapon applications, reusable aircraft, and reusable space launchers. With a view towards the history of hypersonics and developing worldwide trends, this course provides a survey of hypersonic technologies, systems and applications while addressing the underlying fundamental physics, analysis approaches, and design methodologies.