Ranester
Well-Known Member
While looking for simpler alternatives against fully-featured CFD solver (which can be quite daunting), I came across this nice little package:
Apame 3D panel method
It's a simpler flow solver, similar to one in XFLR5 plane designer but apparently better suited for high Re numbers. The import format list quite short at the time, accepting only NX (Unigraphics, I-Deas) and NASTRAN files; fortunately, there is an open source meshing tool GMSH that does output NX files (.UNV). There are few other things to consider:
The solver requires attached flow, no blunt (or open) trailing edges allowed;
The solver is only for sub-sonic flow;
The solver does not calculate skin friction, although boundary layer solver is planned for the future.
While the coefficients aren't totally accurate for the mentioned reasons, I imagine they would give a good ballpark estimate in most cases, and the visual representation of the pressure distribution should be quite useful.
Apame 3D panel method
It's a simpler flow solver, similar to one in XFLR5 plane designer but apparently better suited for high Re numbers. The import format list quite short at the time, accepting only NX (Unigraphics, I-Deas) and NASTRAN files; fortunately, there is an open source meshing tool GMSH that does output NX files (.UNV). There are few other things to consider:
The solver requires attached flow, no blunt (or open) trailing edges allowed;
The solver is only for sub-sonic flow;
The solver does not calculate skin friction, although boundary layer solver is planned for the future.
While the coefficients aren't totally accurate for the mentioned reasons, I imagine they would give a good ballpark estimate in most cases, and the visual representation of the pressure distribution should be quite useful.
