2 - Airflow Physics and Mathematical Models

Summary

A vehicle in an airstream sets up a pressure field on its surface, resulting in forces acting on it. Thus, the aerodynamic design task becomes: determine the shape that produces a surface pressure distribution yielding optimal flight performance. Based on the principles of flow physics, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) maps out how an aircraft's shape affects the flow patterns around it. Combined with mathematical techniques for shape optimization, CFD offers a powerful tool for sophisticated aerodynamic design. The goal is to achieve those vital features stemming from the concept of a "healthy flow," namely that these specific flow patterns and associated surface pressures are efficient means of generating aerodynamic lift with acceptable drag and are capable of persisting in a steady and stable form over ranges of Mach numbers, Reynolds numbers, angles of incidence, and sideslip embracing the flight envelope of the aircraft. In the parlance of multidisciplinary design and optimization, this chapter talks about the level of fidelity of the models and solutions. L0 methods are based on empiricisms and statistics. L1–L3 are physics-based models. The governing equations in L1 are linear potential flow, in L2 are inviscid compressible flow, and in L3 are nonlinear viscous turbulent flow.