CFD Software

[ianashdown]

Just wondering if anyone knows of or has used an inexpensive 2D CFD program.

I'm hoping to do some Rear Wing comparative studies, flap angle adjustments etc.

Thanks,

Ian

[Neil_Roberts]

XFOIL is freeware, but it won't do multi-element airfoils. There are other 2D airfoil analysis programs, some CFD based and some inviscid panel method with boundary layer models. The BL model is the key to real world correlation.

3D CFD is much more challenging.

[ianashdown]

Hi Neil,

I'm just looking to do some basic comparative runs for a rear wing in isolation. No need for anything more complex.

"A mans got to know his limitations" 3D CFD is certainly beyond mine!

Ian

[Rick Ross]

MSES is a multi-element application which might meet your needs. It was developed at MIT I think.....not sure if it is freeware or not.

I have used XFOIL and think it is useful when looking at a single element 2d airfoil. It would not be of much help if you want to include flaps.

[Collin]

Check out OpenFOAM. It is open-source but is not very user-friendly and requires Linux/Unix environment. Put it simply, an engineering degree is helpful.

[fabulous]

Hey Ian,
Late to the party but try JavaFoil. It is Martin Hepperle's own development similar to Xfoil and can do multiple elements as well as ground effect if you do mirror images. Same limitations as any 2D, potential, inviscid but does include a limited boundary layer capability. Considering it's free and simple it's really quite amazing (as is Martin - check out his website).
Link:http://www.mh-aerotools.de/airfoils/javafoil.htm
Cheers,
J.Fab

[rperry]

If you're going to be doing dual element studies, a panel code based solution may very well point you to the wrong "best" geometry - by virtue of it not handling separation very well.

Almost any modern laptop has the power to run a full RANS CFD solution in 2D in a few minutes. If you can handle the difficulty, OpenFOAM would be well worth your time - it's the same software used in many teams in pro motorsport (including ours). A dual or quad core laptop should even be able to handle a full wing (no car though) in 3D in a matter of hours.