Finding Software to Analyze Airflow over a Wing

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    Airflow Software
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding suitable software for analyzing airflow over a wing, focusing on various methods and tools available for this purpose. Participants share their experiences and suggestions regarding software options and methodologies applicable to this analysis.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests using ANSYS for airflow analysis but expresses difficulty in navigating the software due to limited experience.
  • Another participant recommends the "Panel Method," recalling its effectiveness during their graduate studies and suggesting it can be implemented in various programming languages.
  • A third participant proposes XFOIL as a suitable option for 2D wing analysis, noting it is a panel method code with enhancements for accuracy.
  • There is a question raised about the specific requirements for the analysis, such as whether the focus is on lift and drag or the flowfield over the wing.
  • A participant indicates they are interested in the actual flow over the airfoil and mentions testing software that supports the panel method.
  • One participant shares their experience with Caedium software, noting a requirement for .brep format files and expressing challenges in using converted files.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple competing views on software options and methodologies for airflow analysis, with no consensus reached on a single best approach.

Contextual Notes

Some limitations include the need for specific file formats in certain software and varying levels of familiarity with the suggested tools among participants.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in fluid dynamics, aerodynamics, or software tools for engineering applications may find this discussion relevant.

Jones1987
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Hi guys,

I need to test the airflow over a wing, I can't find any suitable software to do this job. I heard ANSYS is a good bet, but when I try I'm just lost... (not much exp with it).

So anyone got any suggestions to analyse airflow of the wing.
 
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Use the "Panel Method."

I did this in graduate school for airflow over a wing (years ago). It worked very good. You can write the program in Basic, Fortran, C, or whatever in a day if I recall.
 
Assuming it is a 2D wing, try XFOIL. It is a panel method code (I believe) with various corrections making it more accurate.
 
What exactly are you looking for? Do you just want lift and drag, or do you need the flowfield over the wing?
 
RandomGuy88 said:
What exactly are you looking for? Do you just want lift and drag, or do you need the flowfield over the wing?

I'm wanting the actual flow over the airfoil, I've found some software which supports the panel method which I'm currently testing out, seems the business from what I can see, but I'll keep you posted on how progress is :D
 
So I am using software called Caedium... It allows me to test airfoils... however they need to be in a .brep format.

I can use the example file they use, however I'm having a hard time working out how to use new .brep files I've converted

I can use a .pts but this seems a ridiculous way of doing it. Anyone got exp with this software or know of a better means?
 
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