Closed-form approximation for supersonic flow over a cone

In this technical note, we present an asymptotic approximation for supersonic flow about a pointed cone, with an attached conical shock wave. The classical Taylor–Maccoll equation is simplified slightly, assuming high-speed flow and a narrow cone angle, and this allows us to give a complete closed-form solution. We demonstrate that our asymptotic solution is accurate for all body cone angles as the free-stream Mach number is increased. A closed-form expression for the streamsurfaces in the shock layer is presented.