Use of Multiquadric Functions for Multivariable Representation of the Aerodynamic Coefficients of Airfoils

Abstract

Given an array (or matrix) of values for a function of one or more variables, it is often desired to find a value between two given points. Multivariable interpolation and approximation by radial basis functions are important subjects in approximation theory that have many applications in Science and Engineering fields. During the last decades, radial basis functions (RBFs) have found increasingly widespread use for functional approximation of scattered data. This research work aims at benchmarking two different approaches: an approximation by radial basis functions and a piecewise linear multivariable interpolation in terms of their effectiveness and efficiency in order to conclude about the advantages and disadvantages of each approach in approximating the aerodynamic coefficients of airfoils. The main focus of this article is to study the main factors that affect the accuracy of the multiquadric functions, including the location and quantity of centers and the choice of the form factor. It also benchmarks them against piecewise linear multivariable interpolation regarding their precision throughout the selected domain and the computational cost required to accomplish a given amount of solutions associated with the aerodynamic coefficients of lift, drag and pitching moment. The approximation functions are applied to two different multidimensional cases: two independent variables, where the aerodynamic coefficients depend on the Reynolds number (Re) and the angle-of-attack (α), and four independent variables, where the aerodynamic coefficients depend on Re, α, flap chord ratio (cflap), and flap deflection (δflap).