CFD for Engine-Airframe Integration

Abstract

This article provides an assessment of current CFD technology with application to propulsion integration, a definition of research and development needed to extend the technology, and a discussion of numerical error assessment and control. The CFD technology is divided into the elemental areas of the computer system, algorithms, geometry and mesh generation, turbulence modeling, and experimental validation; the current status and major issues in each of these areas are defined. Sources of numerical error are identified and some strategies for determining and controlling these are presented. CFD will have an impact on propulsion integration equivalent to that of the wind tunnel as CFD technology matures. This maturation will lead to a system which integrates the elemental areas of CFD for applications.