Linear-Theory-Based Shape Optimization for Sonic Boom Minimization Brian Argrow, Charbel Farhat, Kurt Maute, Melike Nikbay Department of Aerospace Engineering Sciences, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado USA 80309 Abstract: An overpressure ground signature with more than two shocks is proposed for sonic boom minimization. A procedure coupling linear-theory-based sonic boom theory with a state-of-the-art optimization tool is presented. The method is used to reshape a candidate supersonic aircraft for a reduced initial shock pressure rise. Key words: sonic boom, aircraft shaping, sonic boom minimization 1. SONIC BOOM THEORY Seebass and Argrow 1 revisit sonic boom theory and discuss the origins of linear-theory-based methods for sonic boom minimization from the 1950s through the 1990s. Culminating in the Jones-Seebass-George-Darden (JSGD) theory, these methods focus on tailoring Whitham's F-function 2 to minimize various parameters of the sonic boom ground signature. The JSGD theory appears to be the most comprehensive sonic boom minimization theory. Current optimization tools combined with the linear-theory-based methods might provide a breakthrough for sonic boom minimization through aircraft shaping. JSGD theory minimizes parameters associated with a two-shock (bow and tail) ground signature. According to this theory, the aircraft should be shaped such that all shocks coalesce into the bow and tail shocks as near to the aircraft as possible, making maximum use of atmospheric attenuation. Except for certain parameters, such as shock strength, the asymptotic results are independent of the details of the nearfield signature, thus the JSGD theory focuses on an F-function, F(y), of the simplest form. Research from the 1960s 349 H. Sobieczky (ed.), IUTAM Symposium Transsonicum IV, 349-354. © 2003 Kluwer Academic Publishers.