The mechanics of similarity encompasses the analysis of dimensions,
performed by various procedures, the gasdynamic similarity and the model
technology. The analysis of dimensions delivers the dimensionless
numbers by which specific physical challenges can be described with a
reduced number of variables. Thereby the assessment of physical problems
is facilitated. For fluid dynamics and all sorts of heat transfer the
discipline of the mechanics of similarity was so important in the past,
that the historical background is highlighted of all the persons who
have contributed to the development of this discipline.
The goal of the classical gasdynamic similarity was to find rules, which
enables the aerodynamic engineer to perform transformations from
existing flow fields to others, which meet geometrical and other
specific flow field parameters. Most of these rules and findings do no
longer play a role today, because a lot of potent experimental and
theoretical/numerical methods are now available. This problem is
addressed in the book.
A recent investigation regarding the longitudinal aerodynamics of space
vehicles has revealed, that there exist other astonishing similarities
for hypersonic and supersonic flight Mach numbers. It seems, that
obviously most of the longitudinal aerodynamics is independent from the
geometrical configurations of the space vehicle considered, if a simple
transformation is applied. A section of this book is devoted to these
new findings.
