Validation of a Numerical Prediction Method for Aerodynamics

Background

With a huge leap in digital computing power over the last couple decades, computer simulation and modeling has become an essential part in engineering design enviornments. Current estimates show that flow over a full-scale airplane at flight conditions will not be achievable till roughly 2080. In other words, significant approximations are inevitable for modeling aerodynamic flow and in order to account for this, engineers will have to clearly understand and document the validity of numerical methods and codes.

Goals and Objectives

- A carefully designed, executed, and documented experimental campaign to provide validation data
- Evaluation of the predictive capability of XFOIL for the validation experiments, and documentation of best practices for using XFOIL for the cases considered
- A determination of the Technical Readiness Level (TRL) of XFOIL, including supporting evidence and documentation.

Team Contacts

Ashton Wheelahan - awheelah@uci.edu

Khan Nguyen - khanhn10@uci.edu

Quy Duong Nguyen - quydn@uci.edu

Tai Vo - taiv1@uci.edu

Sponsor/Advisor

Perry Johnson - perry.johnson@uci.edu