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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 04 July 2016
A finite element method is used for the solution of the full-potential equation in conservation of mass form. The finite element analysis allows the boundary conditions to be treated in simple and exact manner, without the use of a mapping scheme. An efficient finite element computational grid is employed in order to obtain an accurate converged solution. An iterative method is used to solve the full-potential equation. The iteration is in two parts, new values for the velocity potential are found by matrix inversion while the density is not updated, then new values of the density are found from the isentropic relation. The density field is then relaxed using new values for the potential in conjunction with an artificial viscosity. Results are obtained for different types of axisymmetric configurations. Comparison is made with available experimental data and good agreement is found for the pressure coefficient distribution over a suitable blunted cone-cylinder axisymmetric body. Further comparisons with experimental data are required in order to assess the method.