Airplane Aerodynamics Using CFD (Transcript)

Here’s how OpenVSP and Stallion 3D work together to analyze an airplane, plus a quick comparison with VSPAero.

Overview

OpenVSP is used to create the airplane’s geometry. Stallion 3D then performs a CFD analysis on that geometry to compute pressures, velocities, and aerodynamic coefficients. At the end, we briefly compare results from Stallion 3D and VSPAero.

Workflow

1. Design in OpenVSP: Build the aircraft geometry (wings, fuselage, tail, and other components). Adjust dimensions and shapes to explore different configurations.
2. Export the model: Save the geometry to .stl, which is compatible with Stallion 3D.
3. Automatic meshing in Stallion 3D: Stallion 3D generates the computational grid around the model—dividing surfaces and the surrounding flow domain into small cells for CFD.
4. Set up the physics: Specify air properties (density, viscosity), flow speed, and angle of attack. Define far-field boundary conditions and select numerical methods/solvers for the CFD equations.
5. Run the solver & review results: Stallion 3D solves the flow and visualizes pressure distribution and velocity fields near the aircraft surfaces. Lift, drag, and moment coefficients can be exported for performance analysis.

Comparison Note (Stallion 3D vs. VSPAero)

The example compares two sets of results. Both the lift coefficient and induced drag are close between Stallion 3D and VSPAero, indicating good agreement for this case.

Takeaway

OpenVSP’s parametric modeling and Stallion 3D’s CFD complement each other for efficient design and analysis. Both tools provide user-friendly, visual interfaces, and Stallion 3D’s CFD delivers accurate results in a relatively short time.

Learn More

For details and examples, please visit hanleyinnovations.com. Thanks for watching!