A transformation of the hodograph equation and the determination of certain fluid motions
A transformation is given of the hodograph equation of two-dimensional gas dynamics, from the usual variables q, 6t to q and a new variable (J). The transformation, which suits any gas for which pp~y = const, with y> 1, is so chosen that certain solutions, which in terms of q, 6 are multi valued, become single-valued functions of q, <j). Such a solution is represented, over the whole domain which is of interest, by a single series in q, which is rapidly convergent; whereas in terms of q, 6 different series would be required for different branches of the function, and these would be but slowly convergent. By this method we can construct (i) the nozzle flow for which the axial velocity is a prescribed analytic function of position, in particular trans-sonic nozzle flows; and (ii) various cases of flow past aerofoil-shaped cylinders placed in a uniform stream. Taking y = T4, complete numerical results are given for one case of trans-sonic nozzle flow, and from these other such flows can be obtained by superposition, and a family of flows of type (ii) is investigated, in which the trailing edge of the aerofoil is cusped; the aerofoil shape has been calculated for two representative values of the free- stream Mach number. A limiting flow of this family is found to consist of a set of Prandtl-Meyer flows, analytically distinct but joining continuously where they abut. These flows are related to a particular solution of the hodograph equation which is of funda mental analytic importance; it stands in the same relation to the set of 'Chaplygin solutions’ as the generating function for Legendre polynomials does to the harmonic functions rnPn(cos 6).