Lecture 3 Differential geometry of surfaces 3.1 Definition of surfaces Implicit surfaces F(r,,a)=0 Example: 22+6+2=1 Ellipsoid, see Figure 3.1 Figure 3.1: Ellipsoid · Explicit surfaces If the implicit equation F(, y, a)=0 can be solved for one of the variables as a function
Background An icbm with a range of 6500 miles has a stagnation temperature of 12,000%F, 2000 f hotter than the surface of the sun Calculations showed that the optimum design for structural strength, resistance to heating, and free flight stability was a long, needle nosed reentry body But it would vaporize during reentry