[ldevivo]

Hi

I am running a simulation using OpenFOAM from within Grasshopper(Rhino3D).
I am interested in the aerodynamics of airplane wings. I want to obtain the Lift and Drag forces acting on the structure so I can then run a shape optimization using parametric design.

So far I have managed to run a simulation and obtain the pressure and velocity distribution. Now I want to compute the Forces acting on the surface of the wing so I can get L/D ratios.

I have seen that OpenFOAM has a comand that calculates the forces but I am wondering how to implement it in this case.

Thanks

[Bazinga]

Calculating the forces is defined in the controlDict file. Just look up the code in a tutorial or somewhere here in the forum. If you have any specific questions after that, let us know.

edit: I made a small video. The volume is rather low but I hope it still help: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOT62t2IiDE

[student666]

Hi,



Is it "a standard" to consider the chord length as reference length for anything on an airfoil calculation? Reynolds, lift drag, force dict, ecc...

[yambanshee]

Originally Posted by student666

Hi,



Is it "a standard" to consider the chord length as reference length for anything on an airfoil calculation? Reynolds, lift drag, force dict, ecc...

generally, yes

[student666]

How can I compare the results from a CFD to some experimental data? where can I find references?


thx

[yambanshee]

Originally Posted by student666

How can I compare the results from a CFD to some experimental data? where can I find references?


thx

X-Foil is often used as reference data for 2d airfoil calculations. It's not always exact itself, but will give a very good ballpark figure with minimal effort.


Else: google. There's plenty of experimental data for airfoils