Learn how to account for compressibility and shock waves on drag and lift in aircraft design. Discover aerodynamic coefficients and design features to optimize performance. (original) (raw)

If you are interested in aircraft design, you probably know that aerodynamics is a key factor that affects the performance, efficiency, and safety of your flying machine. But how do you deal with the complex phenomena that occur when the air around your aircraft is moving at high speeds and creating shock waves and compressibility effects? In this article, we will explain how these phenomena affect the drag and lift forces on your aircraft, and how you can account for them in your design process.

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Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations are invaluable for predicting compressibility effects and shock wave behavior in complex flow fields. For an aerospace project, we used high-fidelity CFD tools to simulate airflow around aircraft at various speeds, allowing us to visualize shock waves and their impact on lift and drag, leading to optimized aerodynamic designs. Schlieren photography in wind tunnel testing visualizes density gradients caused by shock waves and compressibility effects. This technique was crucial in a high-speed vehicle project, enabling us to observe and analyze shock wave structures and their interaction with the vehicle's surface, informing design modifications to minimize adverse effects.

Learn how to account for compressibility and shock waves on drag and lift in aircraft design. Discover aerodynamic coefficients and design features to optimize performance. (original) (raw)

Here’s what else to consider

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