Potential flow around an airfoil

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on simulating potential flow around an airfoil using MATLAB, specifically targeting steady solutions for subsonic and laminar flows. The user seeks guidance on generating an elliptic grid, which requires solving a partial differential system of elliptic equations. They mention the necessity of using normalized airfoil shapes, referencing NASA's airfoil profiles as a potential resource. Additionally, the discussion highlights the importance of writing a vortex panel code as a straightforward approach to this simulation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of potential flow theory
  • Familiarity with MATLAB for numerical simulations
  • Knowledge of elliptic partial differential equations
  • Experience with vortex panel methods in aerodynamics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research MATLAB functions for solving elliptic partial differential equations
  • Explore vortex panel methods for airfoil analysis
  • Locate and utilize NASA's airfoil shape database
  • Study the fundamentals of aerodynamics, particularly chapters 3 and 4 of Anderson's textbook
USEFUL FOR

Aerodynamics researchers, aerospace engineers, and students interested in numerical simulations of airflow around airfoils will benefit from this discussion.

Clausius2
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I invoke those aero-brains flying around here in order to help me in these questions:

I want to simulate numerically using Matlab the potential flow around an airfoil. The first question is if anyone of you knows if is it possible a steady solution of such potential flow (subsonic and laminar) over an airfoil. To be honest, potential theory is not my best, surprisingly I have not learned it in my university. But I want to simulate an elliptic problem such this, in part because I think it might be easier, and I don't hope to start writing a computer program that has no steady solution.

Another question is the elliptic grid generation. I have seen it is necessary to solve a partial differential system of elliptic equations in order to generate it. So I will need some type of normalized airfoil shape. I have read that NASA has some series of such profiles. Those who are aero-heads surely know where can I found this shapes (that allow me to strum the coordinate transformations) in the web.

Any help will be wellcomed with a cool Duff beer sent by e-mail. :rolleyes:
 
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read fundamentals of aerodynamics by anderson chapter3 & 4. you need to write a vortex panel code. damn easy
 

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