C²A²S²E (AS-CAS)

Center for Computer Applications in AeroSpace Science and Engineering

EFRE

Numerical simulation of the flow around an A380

Pressure distribution on an A380 and on a cut through the unstructured grid

Scale-resolved simulation of the turbulent flow over a trailing-edge flap in landing configuration

Multi-disciplinary simulation of a gust encounter

Simulation of a delta wing configuration using an adaptive, higher-order discontinuous Galerkin method

Simulation of a three-component aileron

Rapid prediction of aerodynamic loads over the flight-envelope for a wing with two flaps by utilizing reduced-order models

The C²A²S²E department’s main activity is the development of numerical methods and processes for the multi-disciplinary simulation and optimization of aircraft. In addition to the development of physical models for complex flows and cutting-edge solution algorithms, the department is also active in the development of efficient optimization strategies covering all relevant disciplines, as well as developing surrogate models of higher fidelity methods. The customization of numerical methods for optimal efficiency on high-performance computer clusters is of particular importance to the department. The hybrid flow-solver developed at C²A²S²E is routinely used for a wide range of simulations in both research and industry. The department is also involved in the development of a system for the multi-disciplinary simulation and design of wind turbines.

Current Activities at C²A²S²E

Modeling of turbulent aerodynamic flows for industrially relevant configurations using high-fidelity RANS models (Reynolds-Stress-Models) and scale-resolving approaches (hybrid RANS/LES, SAS, LES)
Development of flexible methods for the simulation of laminar-turbulent transition
Development of advanced CFD methods for the simulation of turbulent flows around complex aircraft configurations at high Reynolds-Numbers on unstructured grids (multi-grid, implicit methods, higher-order methods, adaptation)
Development of a next-generation CFD solver (modern data-layout, multi-level parallelization, combination of different solution methods, expanded application scope)
Tailoring the developed solution algorithms to the effective use of massively-parallel cluster architectures with highly efficient processor communication
Detailed, multi-disciplinary maneuver simulations including the effects of aerodynamics, structure, flight-mechanics and –control, as well as the modeling of control surfaces
Development of aerodynamic and multi-disciplinary optimization methods (adjoint methods, surrogate-model based optimization)
Development of surrogate models for the efficient determination of aerodynamic data and loads over the whole flight envelope (reduced-order models, error-estimation)
Formulation of methods for the quantification of aerodynamic uncertainties by use of numerical simulations, leading to more robust aerodynamic designs
Development and deployment of an adaptable simulation environment for multi-disciplinary simulations and optimizations on highly parallel cluster architectures

Software Products / Research Tools

TAU
Software for solving the RANS equations with a 2nd-order finite-volume discretization on hybrid grids. Established as a production-tool in the European aircraft industry and as a research-tool for new technologies in the aircraft research community

THETA
A close relative of TAU, optimized for the solution of incompressible flow simulations; also serves as a platform for the study of physical models (turbulence, combustion, mixed-flows)