Form 9.B Project Summary

Chron:

971120

Proposal Number:

06.02-2775

Project Title:

CFD/CSD Interfacing via an

Innovative Structural Boundary

Element Method

Technical Abstract (Limit 200 words)

An innovative structural Boundary Element

Method (BEM) Solver is developed for interfacing

the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and

Computational Structural Dynamics (CSD) grids.

Formulated as a solid mechanics problem with a

minimum strain energy requirement, the BEM

Solver generates a truly three dimensional (3-D)

Universal Spline Matrix. The Universal Spline

Matrix is a vector operator which includes the

coupling of displacements and forces along all axes.

Based on a similar formulation, an Exterior BEM

Solver is also developed to account for the flow grid

deformation. Thus the BEM Solver allows a unified

treatment of the displacement and force

transformation for CFD/CSD interfacing as well as

the computation of the flow field grid deformation.

The solution procedure is fully automated and

requires no further user interaction, therefore it is

ideally suitable for Computational Aeroelasticity

(CAE) and Multidisciplinary Optimization (MDO)

applications.

Potential Commercial Applications (Limit 200 words)

Considerable growing interest is being generated in

new methodologies for aircraft aeroelasticity and

rotorcraft/STOVL aircraft CFD/CSD and

computational aeroelasticity (CAA) interactions

requiring high-level, high-resolution CFD solutions

through CFD/FEM grid interfacing. The BEM

Solver can meet this requirement to provide

accurate and effective data transferal in high

fidelity between grid systems, thus improving

solution accuracy in aeroelastic predictions in

problems such as limit cycle oscillation and flutter.

The commercialized BEM Solver will act as a data

transferal modem requiring minimum user learning

time. Meanwhile, ZONA's reputation and track

record in supporting the aerospace industry with the

ZONA codes for aeroelastic applications will assure

the success of the future commercialization of the

BEM Solver.

Name and Address of Principal Investigator (Name,

Organization Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Ping Chih Chen

ZONA Technology, Inc.

2651 W. Guadalupe Rd., Ste. B-228

Mesa , AZ 85202

Name and Address of Offeror (Firm Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

ZONA Technology, Inc.

2651 W. Guadalupe Rd., Ste. B-228

Mesa , AZ 85202