Numerical evaluation of Whitham's F-function for supersonic projectiles

The Whitham (1952) first-order accurate analysis for determining the entire supersonic flowfield about slender, smooth bodies-of-revolution employs a function, F(y), whose accurate and efficient numerical evaluation is presently addressed by means of a novel method. This method is as accurate as that of Igoe (1967), presents no computational difficulties, and furnishes physical insight into the ways in which specific configurational features contribute to the F(y). (O.C.)