Verification and Validation of Open-Source Simulation Tools for Supersonic Aircraft Aerodynamic Analysis
Date
2021-06-11
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Abstract
A verification and validation analysis of two widely-used open-source compressible-flow solvers, rhoCentralFoam and SU2, is performed for several flow problems relevant to the supersonic aerodynamics of small-scale, autonomous aircraft concepts. Vehicle concepts used as research platforms to test new aerospace technologies, such as advanced propulsion systems or large sensor payloads, require major modifications to conventional, large-scale, manned, supersonic airframe design. High-fidelity numerical simulation of these concepts in academic settings often requires the use of in-house or available open-source tools instead of expensive commercial software or those with export-control restrictions. The one-dimensional shock tube problem, two-dimensional supersonic turbulent boundary layer, and three-dimensional delta wing are simulated with both solvers. The effects of flux scheme, flux limiters, and Courant-Friedrichs-Lewy (CFL) number on solution accuracy, stability, and solver speed are assessed. The solvers' limitations and their usefulness as supersonic aircraft design tools in a holistic sense are discussed.
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Keywords
CFD, Verification and validation, Turbulence, OpenFOAM, SU2, Delta wing, Supersonic
Citation
Stoldt, H. H. R. (2021). Verification and Validation of Open-Source Simulation Tools for Supersonic Aircraft Aerodynamic Analysis (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca.