Automated CFD Data Averaging for Aerodynamic Heating Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for aerodynamic heating analysis of aerospace vehicles rely on manual selection of computational fluid dynamics data, which is time-consuming and lacks accuracy, leading to potential overdesign of thermal protection systems and inefficient repair processes.
Innovation Solution
A computer system automatically generates average fluid flow parameter values for sub-areas of a surface by identifying and averaging data from multiple points, enabling rapid and accurate aerodynamic heating analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual selection of computational fluid dynamics data is used, then accuracy of data selection may be improved, but time consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of selecting CFD data points with an automated computer-based system. The computer automatically selects representative data points from the CFD simulation results and calculates average values, eliminating the time-consuming manual process while maintaining or improving accuracy through systematic algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified representation (average values) of the complex CFD data set. By calculating average values from selected representative points, the system creates a condensed copy of the essential thermal characteristics that can be used for repair decisions without processing the entire detailed data set.
2Measurement precision
If detailed CFD data analysis is performed manually, then accuracy of heating analysis is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual analysis of detailed CFD data with automated computer processing. The system automatically processes the CFD results, selects representative points, calculates averages, and generates heating analysis results, dramatically increasing productivity while maintaining accuracy through systematic computational methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by selecting only the necessary representative data points from the full CFD data set rather than analyzing every single point. This partial processing approach maintains sufficient accuracy for repair decisions while significantly reducing the time and computational resources required.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual data selection is used, then flexibility in analysis is maintained, but consistency of results deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal automated system that can consistently process different CFD data sets using the same methodology. The computer-based approach applies identical selection and averaging criteria across all analyses, ensuring consistent results while maintaining flexibility to handle various thermal protection system scenarios and repair situations.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for generating fluid flow parameter data for use in aerodynamic heating analysis. Computational fluid dynamics data is generated for a number of points in an area on a surface to be analyzed. Sub-areas corresponding to areas of the surface for which an aerodynamic heating analysis is to be performed are identified. A computer system automatically determines a sub-set of the number of points corresponding to each of the number of sub-areas and determines a value for each of the number of sub-areas using the data for the sub-set of points corresponding to each of the number of sub-areas. The value is determined as an average of the data for the sub-set of points corresponding to each of the number of sub-areas. The resulting parameter values then may be used to perform an aerodynamic heating analysis.