Experimental aerodynamic characteristics of missiles with square cross sections

A series of quantitative and qualitative tests were conducted to expand the aerodynamic data base of square cross-section missiles. Quantitative tests included measuring forces and moments acting on square missiles, and measuring flowfield pressures on the leeward side of square missiles at various configurations and orientations in a subsonic wind tunnel. Force and moment data is presented showing the effects of variation in body corner radius, nose and fin shapes, pitch angle, and roll angle. Flowfield pressure and crossflow velocity data are presented for missiles of various pitch angles, roll angles, body corner radii, and fineness ratios (length to width ratio). In addition, flowfield data is shown along the axial length of a square missile. Qualitative tests included photographic tuft grids in the flowfield and photographing oil shear stress patterns on the surface of various missiles. These qualitative photographs are presented for various missile configurations and orientations.