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New Tools for Virtual Aerodynamics

Fig. 1: Morphing wing oscillation

Fig. 2: Virtual military transport configuration

Fig. 3: Wing section with flow control by Expansion Shoulder Bump (ESB)

Fast computational algorithms, numerical simulation codes and visualization tools give rise to develop efficient “Virtual Aircraft”  modeling techniques. Knowledge bases of aerodynamics and flow technology suggest the development of pre-processor codes preparing intelligent input for commercial CAD software being used for numerical analysis, model production and project design.

Mathematical models describing solutions for flow phenomena have been used to extract parameters of relevance, calibrating case studies from basic flow elements to practical aerodynamic configurations. Examples from transonic and supersonic flows have been used for extending the functionality of CAD codes so that design variations are gained while based on a rational background:

Parameter choice based on aerodynamic and other knowledge bases may accelerate design strategies so that the costly process of multidisciplinary optimization simultaneously taking into account flow, structure, thermal loads, acoustics, etc. may become affordable. Defining configurations as 4D (Morphing Aircraft) shapes may facilitate the development of innovative concepts in aerospace technology, Figs. 1, 2..

Our much earlier developed design methodology for transonic (‘shock-free’) wings has led to concepts of adaptive components, which in the meantime has found practical applications validated in experiment for aircraft wings and helicopter rotors: Lifting wings in transonic flow with an ‘Expansion Shoulder Bump’, as well as rotor blades with a ‘Droop Nose’ result in a substantially increased aerodynamic efficiency, Fig. 3..

Finally, 4D shape generation allows for modeling unsteady flow boundary conditions as occurring in aeroelastic phenomena or biologic applications. Simulation of suitably parameterized  flutter of structures, flapping wings of birds, insects or moving fish should lead to new concepts by faster learning from nature.

Literature:

• Sobieczky, H. (Ed.), "Symposium Transsonicum IV, Proceedings of the IUTAM Symposium held in Göttingen, 2 - 6 Sept. 2002", Dordrecht, Boston, London: Kluwer Academic Publishers, 2003, p. 303ff.
• Sobieczky, H., "Flow Boundary Conditions Modeling in 4D for Optimized, Adaptive and Unsteady Configurations", in: Caughey, D., Hafez, M., (Eds.) "Computing the Future 2006", Singapore, World Scientific, 2005, pp 97-104.