Sonic Boom Numerical Validation of a Mach 4.7 Experimental Test

This paper aims at validating the sonic boom numerical characterization obtained though CFD and a simple propagation methods against the results of an outdoor experimental test campaign for a future supersonic aircraft. Specifically, this paper investigates the sonic boom signature of a Mach 4.7 configuration, one of the case studies dealt with the EU-funded MORE&LESS project. The numerical approach reported in this paper consists in an extensive CFD simulation campaign carried out using the methodology proposed by NASA during the Sonic Boom Prediction Workshop held between 2014 and 2021, with a hybrid grid approach, consisted of a cylinder unstructured domain and a structured grid far from the geometry. Special treatment is given to the choice of the numerical scheme to be adopted during the simulations, as well to the aspect ratio and sonic glitch phenomenon. Complementary, the numerical results are compared to the experimental values gathered during Outdoor Sonic Boom Tests carried out in the open-field facility of ISL, properly equipped with acoustic measurement units.