Computational aeroelastic modelling of airframes and turbomachinery: progress and challenges

Abstract

Computational analyses such as computational fluid dynamics and computational structural dynamics have made major advances towards maturity as engineering tools. Computational aeroelasticity (CAE) is the integration of these disciplines. As CAE matures, it also finds an increasing role in the design and analysis of aerospace vehicles. This paper presents a survey of the current state of CAE with a discussion of recent research, success and continuing challenges in its progressive integration into multidisciplinary aerospace design. It approaches CAE from the perspective of the two main areas of application: airframe and turbomachinery design. An overview will be presented of the different prediction methods used for each field of application. Differing levels of nonlinear modelling will be discussed with insight into accuracy versus complexity and computational requirements. Subjects will include current advanced methods (linear and nonlinear), nonlinear flow models, use of order reduction techniques and future trends in incorporating structural nonlinearity. Examples in which CAE is currently being integrated into the design of airframes and turbomachinery will be presented.

Introduction. Computational aerodynamics

“…Full validation of such simulations presents a significant challenge. However, Bartels & Sayma (2007) report encouraging agreement for the measured maximum deflection at a high Mach number. This work perhaps represents the state-of-the-art in nonlinear aeroelasticity modelling.…”

“…To remove the serial bottlenecks discussed by Dawes (2007) (see §8), these involve parallel local remeshing. Such approaches are important for store release, formation flying (Aftosmis et al 1997), air refuelling, extreme control surface movement, aeroelasticity for highly flexible structures (as discussed by Bartels & Sayma (2007)) and design optimizationwhen the development of radically different design solutions is sought. Flowbased adaptation potentially lends itself to LES and hence appears to be an important emerging area.…”

“…However, due to computational expense, aeroelasticity work using this turbulence modelling approach seems to be rare. Bartels & Sayma (2007) discuss the use of reduced order models as well as the extreme of full nonlinear aeroelasticity models. These will form an essential ingredient in more routine design studies, computer-driven design optimization procedures and perhaps models of the way pilots interact with aircraft.…”

“…This theme issue has papers in the following areas: turbulence (Gatski et al 2007); flow/turbulence control (Carpenter et al 2007); propulsive jet dynamics and noise (Birch et al); aeroengine external air systems (Dawes 2007); aeroengine internal air systems (Chew & Hills 2007); aeroelasticity for aeroengines and external aerodynamics (Bartels & Sayma 2007); design optimization (Keane & Scanlan 2007); and unsteady flow modelling (Hassan et al 2007). …”

Wind-structure interaction simulations of ovalling vibrations in silo groups

“…power-generating and chemical plants [73,142,230] but also in membrane pumps [36] and turbomachinery [14,228,280,281]. Aeronautical applications such as the flutter of airplane wings have been widely studied [76,79,80] while other applications such as parachute dynamics have also been considered in more recent years [244,245,247,250].…”