Project Title:

Solution-Adaptive Aerodynamics Modeling on Personal Computers

  94-1	03.07	1769

  Solution-Adaptive Aerodynamics Modeling on Personal Computers

Abstract:

ResearchSouth proposes to develop innovative numerical methods and 
software for operation on personal computers (PC) which will 
provide aerodynamic loads for design of hypersonic vehicles. In 
Phase I, we will develop the software for solving the Euler 
equations for the inviscid outer flow and an interface from the 
Euler solver to a boundary layer solution module. The software 
package will be developed specifically for operation on a PC/ 
Windows - DOS environment with full user-interactive color 
graphics. We will begin with our unique solution-adaptive finite 
element method which automatically refines the mesh to achieve 
stability and accuracy while minimizing computer run time. Then, we 
will code the software for computation on personal computers, 
provide 3D color graphics, and validate the package. Phase II will 
extend the concepts and software to the full production status, 
provide a fully operational boundary layer module, port the entire 
package to a PowerPC platform, and provide an interface to finite 
element stress and thermal codes. We will perform extensive 
verification and validation exercise, document the software, and 
provide user training to NASA. The immediate benefits to NASA 
include more cost-effective preliminary design programs for its 
hypersonic vehicles, space station structure, aeroassist orbital 
vehicles, and future launch systems.

When our software is made operational on PC computers, it will be 
an extremely competitive product which will outperform others in 
the market. No similar capability presently exists. The potential 
commercial applications for our product include úautomotive 
industry - engine cooling, underhood flows, and passenger comfort: 
úplastics industry - polymer mixing, casting, and solidification: 
úbiomedical industry - design of artificial hearts, and flow in 
clogged arteries:
úenvironmental engineering - airflow in buildings, pollutant 
transport and climatization: úmetal forming industry - tundish 
flows, casting, and worker environments: úfood processing business 
- mixing, defrosting, microwaving: úelectronics industry - circuit 
board cooling, chip etching, and chemical vapor deposition: 
úgeological flows - mantle flows, ground water flows and pollutant 
transport. ResearchSouth's business plan is to commercialize our 
software, apply it to the above industries, and market it 
internationally.

Key Words

ResearchSouth, Inc.
555 Sparkman Dr. Suite 818
Huntsville, AL 35816