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At least 37 records · Page 2

Effects of nonlinear aerodynamics and static aeroelasticity on mission performance calculations for a fighter aircraft

During conceptual design studies of advanced aircraft, the usual practice is to use linear theory to calculate the aerodynamic characteristics of candidate rigid (nonflexible) geometric external shapes. Recent developments and improvements in computational methods, especially computational fluid dynamics (CFD), provide significantly improved capability to generate detailed analysis data for the use of all disciplines involved in the evaluation of a proposed aircraft design. A multidisciplinary application of such analysis methods to calculate the effects of nonlinear aerodynamics and static aeroelasticity on the mission performance of a fighter aircraft concept is described. The aircraft configuration selected for study was defined in a previous study using linear aerodynamics and rigid geometry. The results from the previous study are used as a basis of comparison for the data generated herein. Aerodynamic characteristics are calculated using two different nonlinear theories, potential flow and rotational (Euler) flow. The aerodynamic calculations are performed in an iterative procedure with an equivalent plate structural analysis method to obtain lift and drag data for a flexible (nonrigid) aircraft. These static aeroelastic data are then used in calculating the combat and mission performance characteristics of the aircraft.

Giles, Gary L.↗

Unsteady transonic flow using Euler equations

An implicit, two factor, split flux, finite volume Euler equations solution algorithms is applied to the time accurate solution of transonic flow about an NACA 0012 airfoil and a rectangular planform supercritical wing undergoing pitch oscillations. Accuracy for Courant numbers greater than one is analyzed. Freezing the flux Jacobians can result in significant savings for steady state solutions; the accuracy of freezing flux Jacobians for unsteady results is investigated. The Euler algorithm results are compared with experimental results for an NACA 0012 and a rectangular planform supercritical wing.

Belk, Dave M.↗

Time-accurate unsteady aerodynamic and aeroelastic calculations for wings using Euler equations

A time-accurate approach to simultaneously solve the Euler flow equations and modal structural equations of motion is presented for computing aeroelastic responses of wings. The Euler flow eauations are solved by a time-accurate finite difference scheme with dynamic grids. The coupled aeroelastic equations of motion are solved using the linear acceleration method. The aeroelastic configuration adaptive dynamic grids are time accurately generated using the aeroelastically deformed shape of the wing. The unsteady flow calculations are validated wih experiment, both for a semi-infinite wing and a wall-mounted cantilever rectangular wings. Aeroelastic responses are computed for a rectangular wing using the modal data generated by the finite-element method. The robustness of the present approach in computing unsteady flows and aeroelastic responses that are beyond the capability of earlier approaches using the potential equations are demonstrated.

Guruswamy, Guru P.↗

Calculated global conditions for the unsteady Euler's flow equations

This paper considers the numerical solution of a fluid dynamical system with time-dependent oscillating boundaries. The problem detailed, a compressible and inviscid flow in a one-dimensional pipe with vibrating ends, is examined to develop techniques needed to solve the more complex unsteady flows in turbomachine cascades. The problem is shown to be mathematically ill-posed but by complementing the governing equations with energy conservation, a unique solution is obtained. An artificial damping term is introduced into the governing equations to improve the performance of the time-marching integration.

Kuzo, D. M.↗

International Conference on Numerical Methods in Fluid Dynamics, 11th, Williamsburg, VA, June 27-July 1, 1988, Proceedings

Recent advances in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) are discussed in reviews and reports. Topics addressed include CFD models in plasma dynamics, parallel computation for simulation studies, CFD for hypersonic airbreathing aircraft, multigrid methods for the steady incompressible Navier-Stokes equations, upwind differencing techniques, TV stable schemes for shock-interacting flows, Euler models of hypersonic vortex flows, parallel multilevel adaptive methods, and vortex methods for slightly viscous three-dimensional flows. Consideration is given to the accuracy of node-based solutions on irregular meshes, multigrid calculations for cascades, a finite-volume-element method for planar cavity flow, parallel heterogeneous mesh refinement for advection-diffusion equations, the convergence of the spectral-viscosity method for nonlinear conservation laws, and numerical simulations of Taylor vortices in a spherical gap.

Dwoyer, D. L.↗

Grid generation and inviscid flow computation about aircraft geometries

Grid generation and Euler flow about fighter aircraft are described. A fighter aircraft geometry is specified by an area ruled fuselage with an internal duct, cranked delta wing or strake/wing combinations, canard and/or horizontal tail surfaces, and vertical tail surfaces. The initial step before grid generation and flow computation is the determination of a suitable grid topology. The external grid topology that has been applied is called a dual-block topology which is a patched C (exp 1) continuous multiple-block system where inner blocks cover the highly-swept part of a cranked wing or strake, rearward inner-part of the wing, and tail components. Outer-blocks cover the remainder of the fuselage, outer-part of the wing, canards and extend to the far field boundaries. The grid generation is based on transfinite interpolation with Lagrangian blending functions. This procedure has been applied to the Langley experimental fighter configuration and a modified F-18 configuration. Supersonic flow between Mach 1.3 and 2.5 and angles of attack between 0 degrees and 10 degrees have been computed with associated Euler solvers based on the finite-volume approach. When coupling geometric details such as boundary layer diverter regions, duct regions with inlets and outlets, or slots with the general external grid, imposing C (exp 1) continuity can be extremely tedious. The approach taken here is to patch blocks together at common interfaces where there is no grid continuity, but enforce conservation in the finite-volume solution. The key to this technique is how to obtain the information required for a conservative interface. The Ramshaw technique which automates the computation of proportional areas of two overlapping grids on a planar surface and is suitable for coding was used. Researchers generated internal duct grids for the Langley experimental fighter configuration independent of the external grid topology, with a conservative interface at the inlet and outlet.

Smith, Robert E.↗

Adaptive remeshing for three-dimensional compressible flow computations

A practical solution algorithm for steady 3D Euler flows is presented. This algorithm employs coupling of a surface triangulator, an automatic tetrahedral mesh generator, an unstructured grid flow solver, and an error estimation procedure. The performance of the method is illustrated using a shock interaction problem in high Mach number flow over a swept circular cylinder.

Peraire, J.↗

Accurate solutions, parameter studies and comparisons for the Euler and potential flow equations

Parameter studies are conducted using the Euler and potential flow equation models for steady and unsteady flows in both two and three dimensions. The Euler code is an implicit, upwind, finite volume code which uses the Van Leer method of flux vector splitting which has been recently extended for use on dynamic meshes and maintain all the properties of the original splitting. The potential flow code is an implicit, finite difference method for solving the transonic small disturbance equations and incorporates both entropy and vorticity corrections into the solution procedures thereby extending its applicability into regimes where shock strength normally precludes its use. Parameter studies resulting in benchmark type calculations include the effects of spatial and temporal refinement, spatial order of accuracy, far field boundary conditions for steady flow, frequency of oscillation, and the use of subiterations at each time step to reduce linearization and factorization errors. Comparisons between Euler and potential flow results are made, as well as with experimental data where available.

Anderson, W. Kyle↗

Accurate solutions, parameter studies and comparisons for the Euler and potential flow equations

Parameter studies are conducted using the Euler and potential flow equation models for unsteady and steady flows in both two and three dimensions. The Euler code is an implicit, upwind, finite volume code which uses the Van Leer method of flux-vector-splitting which has been recently extended for use on dynamic meshes and maintain all the properties of the original splitting. The potential flow code is an implicit, finite difference method for solving the transonic small disturbance equations and incorporates both entropy and vorticity corrections into the solution procedures thereby extending its applicability into regimes where shock strength normally precludes its use. Parameter studies resulting in benchmark type calculations include the effects of spatial and temporal refinement, spatial order of accuracy, far field boundary conditions for steady flow, frequency of oscillation, and the use of subiterations at each time step to reduce linearization and factorization errors. Comparisons between Euler and potential flows results are made as well as with experimental data where available.

Anderson, W. Kyle↗

Scale Invariance of the Homentropic Inviscid Euler Equations with Application to the Noh Problem

We investigate the inviscid compressible flow (Euler) equations constrained by an ”isentropic” equation of state (EOS), whose functional form in pressure is an arbitrary function of density alone. Under the aforementioned condition, we interrogate using symmetry methods the scale-invariance of the homentropic inviscid Euler equations. We find that under general conditions, we can reduce the inviscid Euler equations into a system of two coupled ordinary differential equations. To exemplify the utility of these results, we formulate two example scale-invariant, self-similar solutions. The first example includes a shock-free expanding bubble scenario, featuring a modified Tait EOS. The second example features the classical Noh problem, coupled to an arbitrary isentropic EOS. In this case, in order to satisfy the conditions set forth in the classical Noh problem, we find that the solution for the flow is given by a transcendental algebraic equation in the shocked density.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

A study of multi-body aerodynamic interference at transonic Mach numbers

A wind tunnel experiment involving single, double, and triple combinations of mutually interfering generic, unfinned aircraft stores has been conducted. Each combination of stores was tested at Mach numbers from 0.60 to 1.20 and at angles of attack from 0 to 25 deg for the single store and from 0 to 6 deg for the double and triple store configurations. Extensive axial and circumferential pressure and flow visualization data at each store location were obtained. Euler solutions for each configuration at 0 deg incidence have been generated and compared with experimental data. This comparison indicates an Euler flow solver can yield accurate predictions of the location and magnitude of multibody interference provided an appropriate grid is used and the viscous effects associated with these configurations remain small. The data indicate multibody interference in the transonic region increases as the freestream Mach number approaches 1 from either direction, and subsides as the Mach number moves away from sonic conditions. This interference is characterized by a large, localized reduction in pressure on the inboard surfaces of the bodies which results in forces that draw the configuration closer together.

Cottrell, Charles J.↗

Transonic flow calculations using Euler's equations

An implicit finite difference method with implicit boundary conditions is employed to solve the steady Euler's equations for flows past arbitrary geometries. The resulting code is used to investigate in a systematic way various aspects of flow past airfoils at transonic speeds such as, method of solution, boundary conditions, grid stretching and generation, shock and sonic point operators, the Kutta condition, and smoothing. Results obtained are in good agreement with results of other codes. Moreover, it appears that the method of solution employed is such that Kutta's condition need not be invoked. This statement appears to be valid for other existing schemes employed in the solution of Euler's equations.

Atkins, H. L.↗

An Adaptive Flow Solver for Air-Borne Vehicles Undergoing Time-Dependent Motions/Deformations

This report describes a concurrent Euler flow solver for flows around complex 3-D bodies. The solver is based on a cell-centered finite volume methodology on 3-D unstructured tetrahedral grids. In this algorithm, spatial discretization for the inviscid convective term is accomplished using an upwind scheme. A localized reconstruction is done for flow variables which is second order accurate. Evolution in time is accomplished using an explicit three-stage Runge-Kutta method which has second order temporal accuracy. This is adapted for concurrent execution using another proven methodology based on concurrent graph abstraction. This solver operates on heterogeneous network architectures. These architectures may include a broad variety of UNIX workstations and PCs running Windows NT, symmetric multiprocessors and distributed-memory multi-computers. The unstructured grid is generated using commercial grid generation tools. The grid is automatically partitioned using a concurrent algorithm based on heat diffusion. This results in memory requirements that are inversely proportional to the number of processors. The solver uses automatic granularity control and resource management techniques both to balance load and communication requirements, and deal with differing memory constraints. These ideas are again based on heat diffusion. Results are subsequently combined for visualization and analysis using commercial CFD tools. Flow simulation results are demonstrated for a constant section wing at subsonic, transonic, and a supersonic case. These results are compared with experimental data and numerical results of other researchers. Performance results are under way for a variety of network topologies.

Singh, Jatinder↗

Collection Efficiency and Ice Accretion Calculations for a Sphere, a Swept MS(1)-317 Wing, a Swept NACA-0012 Wing Tip, an Axisymmetric Inlet, and a Boeing 737-300

Collection efficiency and ice accretion calculations have been made for a sphere, a swept MS(1)-317 wing, a swept NACA-0012 wing tip, an axisymmetric inlet, and a Boeing 737-300 inlet using the NPARC flow solver and the NASA Lewis LEWICE3D grid based ice accretion code. Euler flow solutions for the geometries were generated using the NPARC flow solver. The LEWICE3D grid based ice accretion program was used to calculate the impingement efficiencies and ice shapes. Ice shapes specifying rime and mixed icing conditions were generated for a 30 minute hold condition. All calculations were performed on an SGI Model Power Challenge Computer. The results have been compared to experimental flow and impingement data. In general, the calculated flow and collection efficiencies compared well with experiment, and the ice shapes looked reasonable and appeared representative of the rime and mixed icing conditions for which they were calculated.

Bidwell, Colin S.↗

Near-field supersonic flow predictions by an adaptive unstructured tetrahedral grid solver

Applicability of a three-dimensional solution adaptive unstructured tetrahedral Euler flow solver about generic models for near-field sonic boom pressure signature predictions is evaluated. Comparisons of computational and experimental data demonstrates the capability of the method for predicting inviscid solutions useful for high speed calculations about simple 3-D geometries. The approach has promising features and results indicate potential for application to more complex configurations. The mesh generation is based on the advancing front technique, and steady state solutions of the Euler equations are achieved by explicit time integration. Spatial discretization uses the Taylor-Galerkin approach; an alternate time integration, based on the Runge-Kutta method, is also included. The solution-adaptive grid procedure is based on either remeshing or mesh refinement techniques. An alternative geometry-adaptive grid procedure has also been incorporated.

Djomehri, M. J.↗

A 3-D upwind Euler solver for unstructured meshes

A three-dimensional finite-volume upwind Euler solver is developed for unstructured meshes. The finite-volume scheme solves for solution variables at vertices of the mesh and satisfies the integral conservation law on nonoverlapping polyhedral control volumes surrounding vertices of the mesh. The schene achieves improved solution accuracy by assuming a piecewise linear variation of the solution in each control volume. This improved spatial accuracy hinges heavily upon the calculation of the solution gradient in each control volume given pointwise values of the solution at vertices of the mesh. Several algorithms are discussed for obtaining these gradients. Details concerning implementation procedures and data structures are discussed. Sample calculations for inviscid Euler flow about isolated aircraft wings at subsonic and transonic speeds are compared with established Euler solvers as well as experiment.

Barth, Timothy J.↗

An installed nacelle design code using a multiblock Euler solver. Volume 1: Theory document

An efficient multiblock Euler design code was developed for designing a nacelle installed on geometrically complex airplane configurations. This approach employed a design driver based on a direct iterative surface curvature method developed at LaRC. A general multiblock Euler flow solver was used for computing flow around complex geometries. The flow solver used a finite-volume formulation with explicit time-stepping to solve the Euler Equations. It used a multiblock version of the multigrid method to accelerate the convergence of the calculations. The design driver successively updated the surface geometry to reduce the difference between the computed and target pressure distributions. In the flow solver, the change in surface geometry was simulated by applying surface transpiration boundary conditions to avoid repeated grid generation during design iterations. Smoothness of the designed surface was ensured by alternate application of streamwise and circumferential smoothings. The capability and efficiency of the code was demonstrated through the design of both an isolated nacelle and an installed nacelle at various flow conditions. Information on the execution of the computer program is provided in volume 2.

Chen, H. C.↗

An installed nacelle design method using multiblock Euler solver

An efficient multiblock Euler design method was developed for designing a nacelle installed on geometrically complex airplane configurations. This approach employed a design module based on a direct iterative surface curvature method developed at NASA-Langley. A multiblock Euler flow solver was used for computing flow around complex geometries. The flow solver used a finite-volume formulation with explicit time-stepping to solve the Euler equations. It used a multiblock version of the multigrid method to accelerate the convergence of the calculations. The design module successively updated the surface geometry to reduce the difference between the computed and target pressure distributions. In the flow solver, the change in surface geometry was simulated by applying surface transpiration boundary conditions to avoid repeated grid generation during design iterations. Smoothness of the designed surface was ensured by alternate application of streamwise and circumferential smoothings.

Chen, H. C.↗