An Improved Finite Element Formulation for Potential Flow Problems
Using a Kutta Condition 01-15-01-0007
This also appears in
SAE International Journal of Aerospace-V131-1EJ
The purpose of the present article is to develop a Finite Element Method (FEM)
for steady potential flows over a range of bluff bodies like cylinders to
streamlined profiles such as airfoils. In contrast to conventional panel
methods, Laplace’s equation describing the potential flow is solved here for the
velocity-potential function using the Galerkin method. A brief discussion on
edge singularities in potential flows has also been presented using a
half-cylinder case study. A novel method for implementing Kutta condition over
airfoils to have lifting flow is explained. Compared with other techniques such
as Finite Difference Method (FDM) and Finite Volume Method (FVM), the present
methodology has proven to be computationally faster for airfoils with both a
finite angle trailing edge and cusped trailing edge. The results obtained have
demonstrated excellent accuracy compared to analytical and panel methods. The
present method has also overcome edge singularity for airfoils, which ANSYS
Fluent predicted inappropriately using the inviscid model.
Citation: Reddy, S. and Deb, A., "An Improved Finite Element Formulation for Potential Flow Problems Using a Kutta Condition," SAE Int. J. Aerosp. 15(1):99-117, 2022, https://doi.org/10.4271/01-15-01-0007. Download Citation
Author(s):
Swathi Reddy, Anindya Deb
Affiliated:
Indian Institute of Science, India, CPDM, Indian Institute of Science, India
Pages: 20
ISSN:
1946-3855
e-ISSN:
1946-3901
Related Topics:
Finite element analysis
Wings
Aerodynamics
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