Dimensional similarity arguments proposed by Millikan are used with th
e Morkovin hypothesis to deduce logarithmic laws for compressible turb
ulent boundary layers as an alternative to the traditional van Driest
analysis. It is shown that an overlap exists between the wall layer an
d the defect layer, and this leads to logarithmic behavior in the over
lap region. The von Karman constant is found to depend parametrically
on the Mach number based on the friction velocity, the dimensionless t
otal heat flux, and the specific heat ratio. Even though it remains co
nstant at approximately 0.41 for a freestream Mach number range of 0-4
.544 with adiabatic wall boundary conditions, it rises sharply as the
Mach number increases significantly beyond 4.544. The intercept of the
logarithmic law of the wall is found to depend on the Mach number bas
ed on the friction velocity, the dimensionless total heat flux, the Pr
andtl number evaluated at the wall, and the specific heat ratio. On th
e other hand, the intercept of the logarithmic defect law is parametri
c in the pressure gradient parameter and all of the aforementioned dim
ensionless variables except the Prandtl number. A skin friction law is
also deduced for compressible boundary layers. The skin friction coef
ficient is shown to depend on the momentum thickness Reynolds number,
the wall temperature ratio, and all of the other parameters already me
ntioned.