Design and verification of a wide-speed-range morphing waverider based on curved shock theory

Owing to their high lift-to-drag ratio and low thermal load, waveriders are regarded as one of the most promising aerodynamic configurations for high-speed vehicles. However, conventional fixed-geometry waveriders are typically designed for a single operating point and exhibit significant performance degradation under off-design conditions, which limits their suitability for missions requiring a wide speed range and large flight envelope. As a result, morphing waveriders have become a leading research area in the development of near-space high-speed vehicles. To address this challenge, this paper presents a new morphing waverider design method based on curved shock theory, subject to the constraints of a fixed leading-edge shape and a constant windward area. A morphing waverider configuration with wide-range, high lift-to-drag performance is thus developed. Numerical simulations confirm that the designed waverider retains favorable wave-riding characteristics and lift‑to‑drag performance across a broad speed range. Specifically, the vehicle achieves a lift‑to‑drag ratio above 5.0 under nearly constant‑lift conditions in the Mach 5–8 range, and above 4.1 under constant‑dynamic‑pressure conditions in the Mach 8–20 range. To further validate the design approach, wind-tunnel tests were conducted at Mach 6 in the KDJB330 reflected shock tunnel at the University of Science and Technology of China. The three-dimensional curved shock structure and surface pressure distribution of the waverider were measured using planar laser scattering (PLS) and pressure sensors. Experimental results show good agreement with theoretical predictions. In summary, this work offers a new perspective and methodological support for the variable‑geometry aerodynamic design of wide‑speed‑range vehicles.