Role of Computational Fluid Dynamics in the Design of Aerospace Configurations

Abstract

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), a mature discipline now, can contribute considerably to the design, analysis and development of engineering systems involving fluid flows. Visualization of flow-field, surface load distribution and various aerodynamic forces and moments are the criteria for basic design of aerospace configurations. CFD complements experimental and theoretical fluid dynamics by providing an alternative and cost effective means to simulate real flow phenomena. The main advantage lies in its ability to cut down the number of wind-tunnel tests leading to reduction in the design cycle time and design cost. After a brief introduction to CFD, the role played by the modern CFD tools developed at the Computational and Theoretical Fluid Dynamics Division of National Aerospace Laboratories, Bangalore in the design and analysis of Aerospace configurations will be discussed here.