A need exists for empirical criteria by which the behaviour of hypersonic boundary layers flowing in adverse pressure gradients can be predicted, thereby placing the design of high Mach number intake/diffuser systems on a rational basis.

The main results of the inviscid flow performance analysis of a two-dimensional “isentropic ramp” intake diffusing to supersonic Mach numbers over the free stream Mach number range 6 to 10 are presented. Limitations on the degree of diffusion, and hence geometry, have been deduced in terms of the combustion length requirements of an idealised hydrogen/air combustion process with com-bustor inlet conditions given by the intake. The analysis can be considered as a first order approximation defining the ranges of continuous pressure gradients and oblique shock wave strengths relevant to the experimental investigation of boundary layer flow in the mixed adverse pressure gradients associated with hypersonic intakes.