Aerodynamics Chapter uri icon

abstract

  • Abstract Computational methods are now pervasive in the science of aerodynamics. Because previously existing numerical methods proved inadequate for fluid flow simulations, the emergence of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) as a distinct discipline has sparked the development of an entirely new class of algorithms and a supporting body of theory, which are the main theme of this article. After a review of mathematical models of fluid flow, methods for solving the transonic potential flow equation (of mixed type) are examined. The central part of the article discusses the formulation and implementation of shockcapturing schemes for the Euler and NavierStokes equations. The article next discusses the merits of the contrasting approaches of finite difference, finite volume, and finite element methods for the treatment of flows in complex geometric domains, together with the treatment of boundary conditions. A detailed presentation of explicit and implicit timestepping schemes for both steady and unsteady flows precedes a discussion of preconditioning and multigrid procedures for accelerating the convergence of steady state calculations. Dual timestepping schemes are recommended for the simulation of unsteady flow. In order to realize the potential benefits of CFD, it is essential to move beyond simulation to aerodynamic (and ultimately multidisciplinary) optimization. The article concludes with a discussion of aerodynamic shape optimization via control theory.

author list (cited authors)

  • Jameson, A.

citation count

  • 8

complete list of authors

  • Jameson, Antony

publication date

  • August 2004

publisher