A Tool Chain for Aero-elastic Simulations

A time-domain aero-elastic tool chain with energy-conservative multi-region geometric coupling algorithms is presented. The tool chain is capable of simulating static and dynamic aero-elastic problems with medium to high accuracy. Since it integrates separate fluid and structural solvers, the tool chain belongs to the staggered type where fluid and structural problems are solved separately, taking advantage of each code's advanced numerical features. The tool chain constitutes a useful complement to the frequency-domain simulation tools widely used in aero-elastic analysis and design. The use of the tool chain is illustrated by a coupled Navier-Stokes aerodynamic and structural analysis of a military aircraft wing under a high angle of attack configuration.