Industrialization of CFD methods for improved predictions of complex aeronautical flows (CIAO)

Purpose and goal

Aim: strengthen the national capability in turbulence-resolving flow simulations for aeronautical applications. Objective: create an industry-adapted framework based on hybrid RANS-LES methods in the flow solver M-Edge. An internationally competitive industry-adapted framework has been created where aspects such as numerical accuracy, model aspects and computational efficiency have been successfully included. The project aim and objective have thus been met, however, continued maturation of certain components is needed in order to be considered as standard tools.

Expected results and effects

The project has contributed to an improved capability in Sweden to perform aeronautical flow simulations and strongly contributed to M-Edge becoming an internationally more competitive tool. Furthermore, the project has created good prerequisites for further industrialization and development of efficient methods for analyzing and designing advanced future aircraft from an aerodynamic perspective. Sweden’s capability in aerodynamic design and analysis has been strengthened and the dependence of non-domestic tools have been reduced.

Planned approach and implementation

Close cooperation between industry, academia and institutes has strongly contributed to common goals and a successful project. Several of the project members have been “border-crossers” between industry-academia or institute-academia, which gave a good understanding of the different aspects of the research project w.r.t. the technical ability required by industry while achieving scientific excellence. International research visits and participation in international research projects have given the project access to valuable networks, experiences and knowledge.