Assessment of the Limits of Tabular Aerodynamic Models for Flight Dynamics Analysis using the SACCON UCAV Configuration

This paper describes the assessment of tabular aerodynamic models for flight dynamics purposes done using CFD methods. A generic UCAV model is used. Experimental data was used to validate the predictions. The flow topologies and resulting forces and moments were investigated with good agreement between the sources. The tabular models were then generated. To reduce computational cost, kriging and data fusion were used to populate the tables using only a relatively small number of CFD calculations. Once the tables were complete, these were used to calculate a set of manoeuvres. The result was a set of time optimum manoeuvres which were then replayed through the time accurate CFD code. The assessment of the tabular method was then carried out by comparing the force and moment data obtained from the CFD replay with those in the tables.