Modification of a vortex-panel method to include surface effects and allow finite-element interface

• Main Author: Simmons, Scott R.
• Other Authors: Engineering Mechanics
• Format: Others
• Language: en
• Published: Virginia Tech 2014
• Subjects: LD5655.V855 1994.S5756; Finite element method; Fluid dynamics > Mathematical models; Surface waves (Oceanography) > Mathematical models; Vortex-motion > Mathematical models
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10919/42420; http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/theses/available/etd-05022009-040717/

A vortex-panel method for potential flow is used as a basis for modeling surface effects and creating a finite-element interface so that an arbitrary body can be analyzed. The basic model consists of triangular panels of linearly varying vorticity which represent the body, vortex cores on the lifting edges of the body, and vortex filaments representing the wake. The interface modification is made by using a finite-element application's output as the basis for an input file for the model, executing the main program, and writing body and wake output readable by the finite-element application. The surface-effect modification is made by including an image of the body below the real body to create a surface boundary condition through symmetry. === Master of Science