Capture-independent leading-edge reshaping via profile-truncated streamline tracing

This study leverages the profiled-truncation technique to reshape the leading edge independently of the capture shape. Streamline-traced Busemann fields tend to produce non-monotonic external profiles for high aspect-ratio captures due to the self-similarity. For instance, elliptical captures lead to two protruding compression surfaces instead of a single nose with circular captures, which may degrade aerodynamic characteristics. To modify the geometry while retaining the Busemann-traced features, a profiled truncation is performed to imprint the geometric contour of a scoop (circular capture) onto an elliptic one. The resulting field combines the internal aspects of an elliptic-capture tracing and the external traits of a circular-capture tracing. Inviscid and viscous analyses with various internal and external aerodynamic parameters reveal the dependency on the leading-edge or the aspect ratio. Pressure ratio, mass-capture rate, and drag characteristics are shown to be a strong function of the leading-edge profile. In contrast, the total pressure recovery exhibits a considerable correlation with the aspect ratio. Certain parameters, such as the lift coefficient, present a mixed behavior depending on the angle of attack. In viscous simulations, the boundary-layer effect is more pronounced for the pressure rise and subsequent lift coefficient, as it affects the effective area.