Evaluation of the CMARC panel code software suite for the development of a UAV aerodynamic model

• Main Author: Pollard, Stephen J.
• Other Authors: Platzer, Max F.
• Language: en_US
• Published: Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School 2013
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10945/31947

The CMARC panel code is evaluated to verify its accuracy and suitability for the development of an aerodynamic model of the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) FROG Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV). CMARC is a DOS personal computer based version of the NASA Panel Method Ames Research Center (PMARC) panel code. The core processing algorithms in CMARC are equivalent to PMARC. CMARC enhancements include improved memory management and command line functionality. Both panel codes solve for inviscid, incompressible flow over complex three-dimensional bodies using potential flow theory. Emphasis is first placed on verifying CMARC against the PMARC and NPS Unsteady Potential Flow (UPOT) panel codes. CMARC boundary layer calculations are then compared to experimental data for an inclined prolate spheroid. Finally, a complex three- dimensional panel model is developed for aerodynamic modeling of the FROG UAV. CMARC off-body flow field calculations are used to generate static-source and angle-of-attack vane position corrections. Position corrections are provided in look-up table and curve fit formats. Basic longitudinal and lateral-directional stability derivatives are also developed with CMARC data. CMARC derived stability derivatives are sufficiently accurate for incorporation into an initial aerodynamic model. Adjustments through analysis of flight test data may be required. Future CMARC studies should concentrate on the development of the damping and control power derivatives.